Christmas might still be weeks away, but Santas Anonymous is already gearing up for another season of giving.
Skate with Santa is the organization鈥檚 first event to kick off the campaign season.
The family fun skate, complete with music, candy canes and Santa on skates, will take place Saturday Nov. 5 from 11:45 am - 12:45 pm at the Hockey Arena. Family admission is $7 and organizers are reminding people to wear a helmet.
Santas Anonymous organizes events throughout the holiday season to raise funds to aid more than 50 Jasper families. For more than 20 years, the organization has provided families with gifts and food hampers before Christmas.
As well as the skate, Santas Anonymous will have Christmas raffle tickets on sale at Buffalo Betty鈥檚 Gifts, Tekarra Color Lab and Ransom Clothing throughout the holiday season. Tickets will also be available at the Christmas Craft Fair on Nov. 20.
The first prize, valued at $1,500, is a deluxe weekend for two at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton including transportation provided by VIA Rail Canada. Second prize is a framed print from Buffalo Betty鈥檚 Gifts and the third prize is a $50 gift card from Ransom Clothing. Tickets are $5 each.
In addition to raffle tickets, people can also donate $20 for a turkey or $50 to feed an entire family with a complete Christmas hamper. The Grocery People (TGP) is once again partnering with Santas Anonymous for the turkeys and hampers. You can also donate to the Santas Anonymous charity at the grocery store as part of its Community Loyalty Program starting Nov. 1 until Christmas.
Back again this year is the Warm Winter Woolly (WWW) program. For $10 Santas Antonymous ensures those in need get a hat, toque, scarf, gloves or mittens. Ransom Clothing, at 609 Patricia St., will act as a donation centre for this campaign, as well as for any cash, cheques or gift cards. Children鈥檚 accessories are always welcome.
Unsure what to give? Gift cards are always a good choice鈥擲anta buys from The Grocery People, Pharmasave, Ransom Clothing, Video Stop, Jasper General Store, as well as other local retailers.
New for this year, Santas Anonymous will also be collecting donations by e-transfer through online banking.
To transfer money electronically email [email protected] and specify Santas Anonymous as the charity of choice.
The ever-popular Santa Train event date is yet to be announced but will most likely be in early December. Look for the Santa Train ad and posters and check the Facebook Page (Santas Anonymous Jasper AB) in the next month for details.
Our gift collection boxes will be at numerous stores and locations in time for Moonlight Madness on Nov. 18.聽 Check our Facebook page for locations. Patrons are encouraged to 鈥淪hop and Drop鈥� in the box provided. 聽 There is always a need for children鈥檚 outdoor winter clothing and accessories,聽learning toys as well as crafts and games for all ages. 聽
Santas Anonymous is also looking for family sponsors to help families who have specifically asked for help. Over 50 families apply each year and Santas Anonymous does not have the resources to meet every need. This is where a family sponsor steps up and, by doing so, increases the level of support for unsponsored families.
Family sponsors can be individuals, extended families, social clubs, church groups, board members, businesses and company employees. If you feel you want to be involved in something both meaningful and lasting this Christmas call 780-883-0334 or email us at [email protected] for an information package.
Individuals can, in confidence, apply for assistance from Santas Anonymous by contacting The Jasper Community Team office in person at 627 Patricia Street or by calling 780-852-2100. Please note the deadline for applications is Nov. 21.
We pack hampers and wrap gifts on Dec. 13, 14, 15 and 16 at the McCready Centre from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and help during these times.
Santa鈥檚 on Facebook!聽 Follow all our events and activities on our Santas Anonymous Jasper AB page. For donations and volunteering please call Ann at 780-883-0334 or email.
Ann Thomas-Santas Anonymous Coordinator special to the 51暗网
