Skate with Santa is the first Santas Anonymous event to kick off the 2014 campaign season.
The fun family skate, complete with Christmas music, candy canes and Jasper the Bear, will take place at the Jasper Arena on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. There will also be tree decorations and advent calendars.
Santas Anonymous organizes events throughout the holiday season to raise funds to aid more than 50 families. For more than 20 years, the organization has provided families with a gift and food hamper before Christmas.
As well as the skate, it has Christmas raffle tickets on sale at Buffalo Betty’s Gifts, More Than Mail and Tekarra Color Lab, and they will also be available at the Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday, Nov. 16. The first prize, valued at $1,500, is a deluxe weekend for two at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton, including transportation provided by VIA Rail Canada. Second prize is a $100 gift certificate for Buffalo Betty’s Gifts and third prize is an art gift from More Than Mail.
Tickets are $5 each.
The date of the ever-popular Santa Train is yet to be announced, but will most likely be in early December. Look for the Santa Train ad and posters in the coming weeks for details.
Another date to mark on your calendar is Saturday, Dec. 6 from 1–3 p.m. That afternoon kids are invited to the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives to decorate a Christmas tree with Santa during the Festival of Trees.
New this year is the Warm Winter Woolly from Santa. Santas Anonymous is pledging to give a hat, toque, scarf, gloves or mittens to each member of the family, along with the hamper and gifts. To help Santa do this, the organization is asking people to bring $10 to Treehouse Toys and Gifts or to donate a woolly item. There is a particular need for hats and mitts for children aged one through seven.
Unsure what to give? Gift cards are always useful. Santa buys from Super A Foods, Pharmasave and Tim Horton’s, as well as other local retailers. Donations can be dropped off at Treehouse Toys and Gifts or to the Jasper Community Team office, 627 Patricia St.
Another way to give is through the “Round-up a Turkey” initiative at Super A Foods. For just $20 you can provide a turkey to a family in need. You can also donate to the Santas Anonymous charity at Super A Foods. This is part of the Community Loyalty Program.
Gift collection boxes will be in numerous stores and locations in time for Moonlight Madness on Nov. 21. Patrons are encouraged to “Shop and Drop” in the box provided. There is always a need for children’s outdoor winter clothing, building toys, as well as crafts and games for all ages.
Family sponsorship is another way to show support. Family sponsors can be individuals, extended families, social clubs, church groups, board members, businesses and company employees. To find out more, call 780-883-0334 for an information package.
Individuals can, in confidence, apply for assistance from Santas Anonymous by contacting the Jasper Community Team office. Deadline for applications is Dec. 1.
Those wishing to apply, volunteer or donate can call 780-883-0334 or e-mail to: [email protected]. Packing dates for hampers are Dec. 16, 17 and 18 at the McCready Centre from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and help.
To keep up to date on all of Santas Anonymous’ events, follow along on Facebook at Santas Anonymous, Jasper, AB. Watch for the Santas Buy List for families with specific needs.
Ann Thomas
Special to the Fitzhugh
