BOW VALLEY – T’is the season for giving and the valley is gearing up to ensure all receive.
The Bow Valley Christmas Spirit campaign has officially kicked off, and is now accepting donations to help those throughout the area who may not have quite as much during the holiday season.
“It’s important for everyone to feel like they’re a part of the community,” said chairperson Hannah de Soto.
“Sometimes people struggling feel a bit of a disconnect, especially over the holidays, so it’s nice to be able to help people out when they need a little extra.”
The campaign collects hampers of grocery gift cards, toys and gifts for children, as well as adult gifts for those struggling financially in Canmore, the MD of Bighorn and Morley.
While food drives have been ongoing in the valley for almost three decades, de Soto said this campaign partners with Bow Valley Elves, a program which aims to connect with seniors during the holidays.
“We give food cards and toys to families and individuals who are in need of a little more help,” de Soto said, adding that applications for hampers begin this week.
The campaign will no longer be accepting food donations due to research in the past indicating gift cards are more useful. The campaign will accept gift cards for Save-On-Foods, Shoppers Drug Mart, or Valbella Gourment Foods.
"Research and media stories have indicated that the best way to support food security is to donate cash instead of food," stated a press release from the Christmas Spirit campaign.
According to de Soto, the campaign switched to gift cards because the organization found it aligned more with the concept of food security and is also more efficient and effective.
Anyone can sign up, or find more information, at https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/3050133/false#/invitation, or through their Facebook page.
To take part in the Bow Valley Elves program, which provides gifts to seniors in the Bow Valley on Christmas Day, go to its Facebook page or find a gift-giving tree at Rusticana, Canmore Collegiate High School, Bow Valley Credit Union, the Coast Hotel and the Visitor Information Centre on Bow Valley Trail.
