SUNDRE – For decades, a local non-profit group has endeavoured to ensure that nobody gets left behind amid the hustle and bustle of the often stressful holiday season.
While the Greenwood Neighbourhood Place Society plays a pivotal role in facilitating this effort, the extent of the service organization’s success in spreading a festive Christmas spirit hinges largely on the community’s support.
So anyone who has the means and wants to brighten up somebody’s holidays this year need look no further than the Sundre Santas and Magic of Christmas programs.
“Since 1998, Sundre Santas has provided vital support to those in need, thanks to the generous contributions of residents, businesses, and volunteers,” reads part of a statement prepared by Bree Odd, the society’s program coordinator.
“Each year, one of our biggest challenges is finding a suitable workshop space that can accommodate the activities and storage needs of Sundre Santas and the Magic of Christmas.”
While Santa’s Workshop had for several years found a home at the former Sundre Motors Inn building, the storing and sorting space was temporarily relocated last year to the former Big Rack Rentals. This year, new digs were secured at the Western R.V. Country, just east of the traffic lights at 106 Main Ave. E.
“The ideal location isn’t always easy to come by, which makes Western R.V.’s contribution especially meaningful this year,” said Odd.
“By providing a central, welcoming location, Western R.V. is making it easier for our volunteers to work efficiently and helps the programs run as smoothly as possible, bringing holiday cheer to everyone involved,” she said.
Courtesy of the community’s support in 2023 coupled with many volunteers putting in hundreds of hours preparing the packages, the society successfully delivered 114 food hampers that reached 279 people, she said.
“This year, GNP hopes to support even more families with hampers filled with non-perishable food, pantry staples, and grocery gift cards.”
Since earlier this month, members of the community have had the opportunity to donate unexpired and non-perishable food items at collection bins throughout town including the society’s office located on the west side of the Sundre Community Centre off of 2nd Ave. NW. Financial donations also help offset the program’s costs.
While donations are crucial in providing the means to fill up the hampers, volunteers are an equally critical part of the equation as the packages don’t prepare themselves.
“Dedicated volunteers are essential to making these programs possible, and Greenwood Neighbourhood Place is incredibly grateful for the time and energy our community members bring each year,” she said.
“Because of their kindness and commitment, we’re able to make the holiday season brighter for many,” she said, adding that anyone who is so inclined is always welcome to join the team of volunteers.
Families who could use a hand up can register for Sundre Santas through forms that are available at the society’s office as well as Freson Bros. and some other locations, she said, adding the deadline to apply is Tuesday, Dec. 3 and that hampers will be made available for pickup shortly afterwards.
Then, children will get a chance on Saturday, Dec. 14 to buy gifts for family members at a cost of just $1 each during the Magic of Christmas event that will also have on hand some helpful “elves” providing assistance picking out as well as wrapping up presents and along the way “creating a joyful experience of giving,” she said.
Donations of new or gently used items suitable for all ages are currently being accepted to support this event.
Odd can be reached by calling 403-638-1011 or emailing [email protected] for more information on how to donate, volunteer, or register.
