SUNDRE — With pandemic protocols in place, volunteers will once again soon be conducting the second annual myGNP Charity Check Stop.
Previously called the Sundre Santas Charity Check Stop, the Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Society’s fundraiser dates back to 2013. The event was rebranded and rescheduled last year, when it was held earlier than in the past.
The check stop formerly raised funds exclusively for Sundre Santas, whereas funds raised now support the society’s broad spectrum of programs.
However, Sundre Santas, previously known as Santas Anonymous — a holiday community drive to provide a helping hand and bring extra smiles during the stressful Christmas season — remains among the top priorities that benefit from the effort.
“Sundre Santas will never suffer due to the new banner,” said Dolores Dercach, the society’s chair.
“We will put funds where they’re needed, and certainly Sundre Santas remains a priority for us within the community,” said Dercach during a recent phone interview.
Previously, funds raised by the check stop could be allocated only to Sundre Santas, whereas monies can now be distributed as deemed necessary by the board, she said.
“It just allows us to put the money where it’s most needed at the moment.”
Since 2017, about $9,500 has been raised by the charity check stop, she said, adding there is no particular goal set.
But last year, when a debit machine to accommodate people who don’t have coins or cash handy was first made available, nearly $10,600 was raised, she said.
Provided by the municipality, the digital transaction device enabled more people to donate and brought in almost $600, she said, adding a minimum contribution of $10 is required in order to use the machine, which also accepts credit cards.
“More and more people aren’t carrying money. Even pre-pandemic, it was just common that people don’t do it (as much) anymore. I think it’s going to change even more, as we move forward in time,” she said.
The pandemic will likely only further accelerate that trend, she said, adding the unit also helps to substantially reduce contact and therefor the potential risk of transmission.
As a result of interacting with the public, other safety precautions will include volunteers wearing personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves and masks, she said.
“We’ll certainly have hand sanitizer available, especially when you’re handling money.”
The check stop, which is being conducted in cooperation with the local RCMP detachment as well as the Sundre Fire Department, is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
While some community members will join the volunteer effort alongside a couple of emergency responders, board members largely man the check stop, she said.
“Technically, it’s only the board that handles the money.”
Above and beyond providing support for the annual Sundre Santas initiative, the proceeds from the fundraiser will also benefit a myriad of other programs, “which is of course a long list of things,” she said.
Those could include the delivery of continuing education, the free community volunteer income tax program, elder abuse awareness initiatives, as well as a range of children, adult and senior programs, she said.
Meanwhile, the society’s office reopened a while ago when restrictions were eased, but not without safety measures in place.
“Our volunteers are primarily seniors, and of course they’re pegged to be one of the most vulnerable within our society — I keep forgetting that I’m one of them, but!” she said with a chuckle.
Gloves and hand sanitizer are available at the office entrance, and people who enter are being logged, she said.
“If we have to do any COVID tracking if there is an outbreak, we are very able to do that,” she said, adding the society’s aim is to be “a little bit proactive, so that we do keep track and try to keep our community safe.”
