BANFF – With two weeks to go until Christmas, organizers for Santa’s Anonymous and the Bow Valley Christmas Spirit Campaign are busy collecting donations to help those in need over the holiday season.
On Saturday (Dec. 8), Santa’s Anonymous held its largest fundraising event of the year at the Banff Royal Canadian Legion raking in a record $20,900 towards its $50,000 goal.
“Usually the Legion brings in close to $18,000, so this was the most ever on record,” said Patricia Olafson, a volunteer with the campaign.
She said the Legion was packed from wall-to-wall and there were more donations than ever for its silent auction.
“We were afraid we were going to have low numbers, but there was tons of donations from local merchants from Banff and Canmore,” said Olafson.
She credited this year’s success to Shane Coultis Sr., who will be stepping away from the fundraiser next year after launching it 17 years ago.
“This is their last year,” said Olafson. “I think he was really motivated to get out there and do the best he could for the last time and we certainly appreciate him for all the hard work him and his son have done over the years.”
Unlike previous years, the organization will use the money to purchase grocery cards for families and individuals in Banff and Lake Louise instead of providing grocery hampers.
This year, the organization has received a total of 254 applications, which is 75 more than the organization received last year and represents 475 individuals, including 113 families.
“There’s a bigger need this year,” said Olafson, adding her organization will be able to help everyone in need this year.
The Bow Valley Christmas Spirit Campaign is also optimistic it will be able to achieve its $90,000 fundraising goal with $25,000 already in the bank.
“It’s fairly typical for the campaign to start off slow and then we see a bigger jump towards Christmas, so we’re still hoping that pattern will continue,” said Sally Caudill, a volunteer with the campaign.
She said the organization has received 183 applications from Canmore and Exshaw, which includes 56 singles and 127 families for a total of 234 adults and 219 children under the age of 18. The organization also provides 100 food hampers in the community of Morley.
Last year the organization received 342 applications by Christmas.
Like it’s sister campaign in Banff and Lake Louise, the Bow Valley Christmas Spirit Campaign has also changed the way it is distributing food this year.
Instead of sending out food hampers, the campaign decided to give recipients a preloaded grocery card to give them agency over their food choices.
“We are really trying to be responsive to people’s needs and to ensure they have Christmas with dignity that really matches the kinds of traditions and celebrations that fit for their family,” said Caudill.
Besides cash donations, she said the campaign is also in need of children’s toys, particular for children aged six to 10.
To donate to the Bow Valley Christmas Spirit Campaign visit its website www.christmasspiritcampaign.com
Financial donations to Santa’s Anonymous can be made at the front counter at Banff Town Hall and charitable receipts will be issued. Email [email protected] for more information.
