Winnipegger throws 4-day party for kids in St. Vital

Hussain Guisti is inviting kids and their families across Winnipeg to come down to the Greendell Park Community Centre in St. Vital for a free holiday party featuring five inflatable bouncers, balloons, and face painting. SpongeBob, Elmo and Dora will also be on hand to entertain kids.

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It's not a fundraiser and there are no hidden fees, assuredGuisti.

"No agenda, no nothing. Just come down and have fun," he said.

Guisti said he began holding free community parties at his mosque about seven years ago. Then, last spring he decided to hold a party in his localcommunity centre and open the event up to the entire community.

"Our Muslim upbringing demands that we be altruistic, to give, to share, to help others. A Muslim who's not like that, is not a Muslim really," he said.

This week's party is attracting familiesfrom across the city, he said.

"All religions, all ethnicities.I even have people from the North End who've come," he said.

The payoff is bringing a little joy to others, Guisti said.

"I'm getting a lot in return," he said.

"I love seeing a smile on people's faces, on children's faces. There's no joy better than seeing a child smile and happy."

Guisti's free family-friendly holiday party runs Dec. 23 until Boxing Day at the Greendell Park Community Centre, at 75 Woodlawn Ave. in St. Vital from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.