The Innisfail and District Christmas Bureau is open for business.
Nov. 19 saw a score of volunteers ready the Christmas Bureau to accept donations and registrations in the old Dollar Store location in the Co-op Mall.
Pat Bidart, chair of the bureau, said citizens, businesses, and service clubs came together to help provide Christmas for about 366 people in Innisfail and the surrounding area last year, which was an increase of three per cent over last year.
“Christmas bags were also provided for 78 people at the Rosefield Centre,” said Bidart. “Families receive gifts and gift certificates to buy their Christmas dinner as well as their Christmas hampers.
“The community of Innisfail has always responded very well. Our concern this year is we are receiving less money in grants, which means $13,000 less funds for the Christmas Bureau,” he added. “We had received a Community Spirit Grant which the government of Alberta has cut and another grant that we had received for a couple of years.”
Donations can be dropped off Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. starting Nov. 20, at the mall location.
Alternately, donations can be dropped off at the town office or Dairy Queen until Dec. 18. Money donations are accepted year round. The RCMP Charity Check Stop, to be held Dec. 14, will also be supporting the Christmas Bureau.
Families interested in accessing the bureau's services can apply in person at the mall location on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Applicants must bring their family's Alberta Health Care cards, proof of income, and an addressed utility bill.
The Innisfail and District Christmas Bureau can be contacted in person during its open hours, via email at [email protected], or call 403-227-4328 and leave a message if you know a family in need. For large donation pickup, please call 403-227-5529.
