Busy elves are getting set to hit the streets of three Foothills communities with Christmas cheer.
The Magic of Christmas volunteers have been hard at work putting together gifts for families who have been referred to them by members of the community. On Dec. 17, they will load up their buses and deliver presents, smiles, hugs and carols to homes in Okotoks, Black Diamond and Turner Valley, and High River.
This is the fourth year Magic of Christmas has been chosen as one of seven Western Wheel Cares charities.
Donna Cameron has been part of the organization for more than 20 years, and she said she loves bringing light to the lives of people who need it most.
“From a little baby to an old granny, you never leave without seeing a smile on their face,” said Cameron. “There are not always tears, but there’s always excitement and seeing kids run around getting wrapped gifts from Santa, and Santa saying their name. That’s a huge thing.”
The home visits are not intended to be a surprise – referred families are contacted ahead of time to ask whether they’d like a visit from Santa – but Cameron said many people are overwhelmed by the thought of people taking the time to bring joy into their lives.
Magic of Christmas visits homes for a number of reasons – financial need, health issues, loss of loved ones, divorce or other personal struggles. The elves on each bus are not told the reason any family has been referred, and there is no judgment, only joy, said Cameron.
She has been to many homes over the years, including the family of a three or four-year-old girl sick with cancer whose older brothers received a visit with their grandparents.
There was a little boy during one of her first Magic visits that touched her heart and still lives vividly in her memory, she said. They visited his home on a very cold December morning.
“Here’s this picture-perfect image of this little boy standing behind his door in his flannel pajamas, and as soon as he saw Santa get off the bus, I bet he raised two feet off the ground,” said Cameron. “It was just the biggest smile, and even before I went in I had tears in my eyes.”
Another lady was thrilled to receive a box of mandarin oranges, something that reminded her of her childhood, but that she hadn’t been able to afford for five or six years, she said.
“There are just so many special moments,” said Cameron. “It’s that general surprise and appreciation and you can just see the love pouring out of them. It’s just a great feeling.”
Some of the people who have been visited by Magic of Christmas are finding their own ways to give back this year, she said. She said it means more to them because they know how special it is to be on the receiving end.
Each member of the family receives a gift, though the number and type can vary from year to year depending on need and donations received. The charity has grown substantially over the years, with 133 families being referred in 2015.
Magic of Christmas tries to give out a family game as a gift as well, and Cameron purchased 160 games in preparation for this year’s campaign. The total was $1,800.
“So the money is well-used, and those family games are something every family gets because it’s nice to give a game you know they can sit down and enjoy together,” said Cameron.
Magic of Christmas also teams up with the Backpack Campaign run by St. John Paul II Collegiate. Every member of the family receives a backpack put together by students and staff of the junior high school.
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Besides seeing the gratitude on recipients faces, Cameron said the real magic is in the number of volunteers who make the campaign possible. It takes more than 400 people to pull it all together, she said.
“We have line-ups of people wanting to be an elf on the bus, and there are so many people who volunteer to wrap presents – that’s a three-day project,” said Cameron. “It gets bigger and bigger, people hear about it and want to help.
“It’s going to be a lasting thing, I think. It’s been around for years and it’s just grown.”
Donations of toys can be made at Monkey Mountain Toys and Games, Fountain Tire, or Village Lane Dental in Okotoks. Gift cards may be donated by calling Donna Cameron at 403-938-5800.
For more information on Western Wheel Cares contact Gayle Wolf at 403-938-6397 or [email protected]
To participate, call the Western Wheel office Monday to Friday from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. (403-938-6397) and make a donation using your credit card. We also accept debit, cash and cheques (payable to 'Western Wheel Cares'), either dropped off at the office, #9 McRae Street or mailed to Box 150, Okotoks, AB T1S 2A2 (please do not mail cash). Or visit www.westernwheel.com to donate using Paypal.
All donations of $10 or more will receive a 2016 official tax receipt at the end of the campaign.
