Yellowknife (Dec 22/06) - Habitat for Humanity will be displaying Christmas nativity scenes to raise awareness for the homelessness cause.

The organization, which works to build homes for less fortunate families, is starting a chapter in Yellowknife. The event, to be held Friday night and Saturday day at the Anglican church, will display several nativity scenes, including two scenes from Africa and one scene from Mexico.

Garth Wallbridge, interim president for the Yellowknife chapter of Habitat for Humanity, checks out his collection of nativity scenes. A group of scenes will be on display Friday night and Saturday during the day at the basement of the Anglican church to raise awareness for Habitat for Humanity. - Christine Grimard/NNSL photo

"It's just a nice way for people to remember what Christmas was about," said Pat Moore, who is organizing the event along with Garth Wallbridge, the interim president of the Yellowknife chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

Wallbridge said with all the commercialization of Christmas, events like this help remind people what the season is about.

"They (Joseph and Mary) were homeless, they had to get a stable," said Moore about the religious roots of the Christmas holidays, "We can make sure that doesn't happen for a few families."

Wallbridge has been involved in Habitat for Humanity projects for the past few years. Over the holidays, he will be heading down to New Orleans to help out with a project there. Wallbridge said over 200,000 housing projects will be required in New Orleans after the effects of Hurricane Katrina last year.

On display, Wallbridge and Moore will include a few from their personal collection, including a set entirely made of coloured tin sheets they bought in Mexico while on holiday.

Nativity scenes can be dropped off at the church after 5 p.m. on Friday, and viewing is opened to the public on Friday night between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Saturday between 10 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The Anglican Church is located on 48th Street between City Hall and Franklin Avenue.