Naden Band Concert Delivers Holiday Cheer and Toys for Families

The 47th annual Naden Band Christmas Concert will take place on December 8 and 9, 2023, at the Royal Theatre in Victoria, bringing festive music and toys to local families in need. This longstanding tradition combines the musical talents of the military ensemble with the charitable efforts of The Salvation Army, ensuring that children in the community have gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning.

The collaboration between the Naden Band and The Salvation Army has become a hallmark of the holiday season in Greater Victoria. According to Sipili Molia, a communications representative for The Salvation Army British Columbia Division, “Thousands of toys have been placed in the hands of children who might otherwise go without.” The combined efforts of these two organizations highlight the power of partnership, with the Naden Band providing exceptional musical performances while the community contributes generously.

Beyond simply collecting toys, this concert contributes to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance Program, which not only offers presents but also fosters dignity and hope for families facing hardship. The program reinforces the message that those in need are not alone, and that their community is ready to support them during the holiday season.

The concert features a 35-member ensemble performing seasonal classics, making it a highly anticipated event each year. “This concert represents everything we value as a band – excellence, service, and connection,” said Lt. Benjamin Van Slyke, a representative of the Naden Band. He emphasized the importance of the concert by stating, “When you see families filling the theatre, toys in hand, ready to help their neighbours – that’s when you truly understand the spirit of the season.”

Tickets for the concerts are priced at $15 for main floor seating and $10 for the upper balcony. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy valued at approximately $25 to support the toy drive. Tickets are currently available for purchase by calling 250-386-6121 or online at www.rmts.bc.ca.

As this cherished event approaches, the Naden Band and The Salvation Army continue to embody the spirit of giving, reminding the community of the joy that music and generosity can bring during the holiday season.