A generous party

It’s become a Christmas tradition, an annual homecoming that keeps growing in size and generosity.

The Ischkinakker Shaker, which began seven years ago as an opportunity for old friends to get together over the holidays, has exploded in popularity, with more and more revellers showing up at the door each year.

The partying pays off for local charities, which benefit from the profits. Last year it was the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay, which pocketed $15,000. This year it’s the Justice Ronald B. Lester Memorial Youth Foundation singled out to benefit, to the tune of a hoped for $20,000 donation.

Lester’s daughter, Sondra Seibel, said she’s thrilled Shaker founders Johnny De Bakker and Katie Ischkin chose her late father’s foundation in its 10^th anniversary year.

"If (they) reach their goal of $20,000, it will double what we’ve raised ourselves, so we’re excited about that. We’re looking forward to working with them, especially because the Ischkinakker Shaker is a youth event, generally," Seibel said.

"Our organization gives bursaries to high school students going on to post-secondary education. So we think it’s a really great fit. It’s almost like students raising money to help other students reach their educational goals."

Ischkin said the annual party was started simply as a way to bring their together friends who had gone their separate ways, but made it back to Thunder Bay for the holiday season.

They never dreamed it would get this big, but no matter how many people come out, it’s a tradition they intend to continue for years to come.

"We feel it’s really important to give back to the community that gives a lot to young people. And it’s a community that needs it," Ischkin said Friday, after presenting the Alzheimer Society with the proceeds of last year’s party.

"It’s truly fitting (that it’s at Christmas). Johnny and I try to keep this promise that it’s a local charity that should get it, to stay in the community. I think that’s very important. And I think that’s why more people are willing to give, to come out, even if they don’t want to stay and celebrate. They want to come and give their money and support a good cause."

De Bakker, who recently completed a law degree in Wales, said choosing the charity is never easy, a process that takes plenty of thought each year.

"It’s not a very scientific process, by any means. It’s very emotional the way we do it. We like to pick charities that affect us personally or affect friends and family personally," he said.
Ischkin’s grandfather died of Alzheimer’s a year ago which made it a natural in 2009.

The Ischkinakker Shaker is scheduled for Dec. 23 at the CLE Coliseum. Tickets, available at the door, will be $15.