The 2011 Santa's Anonymous community support campaign has once again shown Sundre's outstanding spirit of giving and volunteerism, says first-year coordinator Mary Gunderson.
This year's Santa's campaign saw 143 hampers delivered in town and area last week, with the hampers filled with thousands and thousands of dollars worth of food and other useful household goods and toys for kids.
Dozens of volunteers, from students to seniors, helped collect the donated items, prepare the hampers and distribute them again this year
“Everyone was absolutely amazing,” said Gunderson. “It's amazing how many lives have been touched by the program, how many people were able to have a nice Christmas because of all the volunteer effort.
“The 4-H/Search & Rescue town-wide food drive was amazing. The cash donations were up. The gift donations were down slightly, but we were able to purchase some gifts. We had volunteers from Grade 4 students all the way up to seniors. We had lots of kids come in and help prepare hampers, even after school hours. It was all just great.”
Gunderson said the individuals and families receiving hampers were all very appreciative and thankful.
“We had quite a few first-time recipients this year. Many said that due to different circumstances in their lives they are having a hard time right now. When they received their hampers they were so grateful,” she said. Hamper recipients this year included 33 seniors and many single-parent families, she said.
“And then there were other people who, for one reason or another, had seen changes in their lives where they found themselves needing help this year,” she said.
There were actually fewer people requesting hampers this year than in 2010 – 156 hampers were distributed last year.
“Some of those we called who we had helped in the past were very full of gratitude and said they were doing better this year and didn't need a hamper,” she said.
Sundre Mayor Annette Clews commended Gunderson and all other Santa's Anonymous workers, saying their efforts make the entire Sundre community proud.
“We are very appreciative of all the things they have done again this year,” said Clews. “I congratulate them for another very successful year.”
Clews said she is encouraged to hear that fewer people were in need of help in 2011.
“That's great news for Sundre,” she said.
As in past years, a complete report on this year's Santa's Anonymous program will be presented to Sundre town council in the new year.
