Fifty-seven families received hampers with gifts and food through Jasper’s Santas Anonymous program over the Christmas season in 2011, according to program co-ordinator Ann Thomas.

The total funds raised and donations received by the program in 2011 is still being tabulated, she said, but it is easily into five figures.

“We did get some really generous contributions,” Thomas said. “There was a personal donation of $1,000, which I thought was exceedingly generous.”

“The groundbreaking thing was Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge sponsored nine families,” she added. “There’s always been the Lions Club and other groups but to have that level of commitment from a hotel, we’ve never had that before.”

Hotel staff members got together and worked in departmental teams to provide the content for the hampers. The hampers were put together through their own efforts, not paid for by the hotel, itself. One of the carpenters on staff, for example, built a toy box to be donated to a family with children.

“We hope that it inspires other workplaces to participate in a similar activity in future years,” explained Jennifer Melanson, director of human resources at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Santas Anonymous also raised $2,000 through its Christmas raffle, Thomas said, and the annual Santa Train was another success, with tickets selling out shortly after going on sale, as they tend to do.

A third train ride may be added next year to meet the demand, she said.