Skate with Santa is the first Santas Anonymous event to kick off the campaign season.
The family event is Saturday, Nov. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the arena.
The rink will be filled with Christmas music and candy canes, and Jasper the Bear will be making a special appearance.
As well as the skate, Santas Anonymous has Christmas raffle tickets on sale at Buffalo Betty鈥檚 Gifts, More Than Mail, Trains & Lattes and Tekarra Color Lab. They will also be on sale at the Christmas Craft Fair, Sunday, Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The first prize, valued at $1,500, is a 鈥渄eluxe weekend for two鈥� at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton, including transportation provided by VIA Rail Canada.
The date for the ever-popular Santa Train is yet to be announced, but will most likely be in early December. Look for the Santa Train ad and posters in the coming weeks for details.
Another date to mark on your calendar is Saturday, Dec. 7. On that day, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., kids are invited to the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives to decorate with Santa, as part of the Festival of Trees event.
Children can help Santa decorate his own tree, plus receive a free gift. This is a good photo opportunity for parents, too.
All of these events are organized to raise funds to aid more than 50 families during the holiday season. Santas Anonymous provides them with a gift and food hamper; a tradition that is 20 years old and year after year is realized by the generosity of Jasper residents.
Another way to give is through the 鈥淩ound-up a Turkey鈥� initiative at Super A Foods. For just $20 you can provide a turkey to a family in need. You can also donate to the Santas Anonymous charity at Super A Foods. This is part of the Community Loyalty Program.
Another opportunity to donate is through the gift collection boxes at numerous stores and locations around town. Patrons are encouraged to 鈥渟hop and drop鈥� in the box provided. Santa has a good stock of toys at the North Pole already, but what is really needed are more practical items. There is always a need for children鈥檚 outdoor winter clothing and boots, backpacks with art and school supplies, building toys, as well as crafts and games for all ages.
Unsure what to give? Gift cards are always useful for family members, especially if they鈥檙e from Jasper stores.
In early December, Santas Anonymous will have its famous mitten lines out to outline some of the specific requests from the families. Read a mitten, purchase the item and drop it off in a gift collection box with the mitten attached, and you鈥檒l be helping Santa and Jasper families.
Individuals, families, clubs and businesses can also become family sponsors. This helps meet the needs and wishes of one whole family.
Santas Anonymous accepts cash and cheque donations. They can be delivered to the Jasper Community Team office at 627 Patricia St. or by calling 780-852-6540 for pick-up.
An advertisement in this issue of the 51暗网 explains how individuals can, in confidence, apply for assistance from Santas Anonymous. The deadline for applications is Dec. 1.
Those wishing to volunteer or donate can call 780-852-6540 or e-mail [email protected]. Packing dates for hampers are Dec. 18, 19 and 20 at the McCready Centre.
Santas Anonymous thanks Jasper for its unfailing support over the years.
Ann Thomas
Special to the 51暗网
