Despite facing a $20,000 shortfall, the coordinator for Santa’s Anonymous is optimistic the organization will achieve its fundraising goal by Dec. 15.
The annual food hamper drive needs approximately $50,000 each year to provide food for individuals, seniors and families during the holiday season, according to Tina Fields, coordinator for the community-based program for Banff and Lake Louise.
“At this point the donations are about $30,000, so we are behind on donations this year, but we do have a few people that have stepped up to the plate,” said Fields, pointing to the Lake Louise Fire Department’s boot drive at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
To increase donations, the Locke family, which owns the resort, said it will match donations collected by the fire department, while the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has offered to match some of the donations.
“I don’t have the final numbers on that, but I know when it’s all said and done it’s going to give us a big boost,” said Fields.
In Banff, other hotels such as the Rimrock, Fairmont Banff Springs and Caribou Properties, along with the Banff Centre, have also stepped up by offering to donate proceeds from 50/50 draws during staff Christmas parties.
“Although that doesn’t sound like a lot, when you add up all those four places it’s a nice boost as well,” said Fields.
This year, she said, the organization has so far received requests for 120 hampers, 35 fewer than last year.
“Last year we had 155 hampers, but the difference this year is that the hampers are larger,” said Fields, explaining there are more families in need this year compared to last year.
She said the organization uses the money it collects to buy non-perishable items like peanut butter and pasta as well as fresh produce like potatoes, carrots, turkeys and hams. Santa’s Anonymous also provides gift cards to local grocery stores.
The organization does not collect non-perishables, however, Fields said any food that is donated is passed on to the food bank.
Besides food, the organization also collects toy donations, which have so far been lacking this year.
Every year the hardest age group to find toys for is between the ages of 12 and 17, according to Fields.
“We never have enough donations for that age group so what we usually do with our funds available is go purchase gift cards from local stores.”
Despite the lack of donations, Fields said she remained hopeful Santa’s Anonymous would be able to provide food and toys for everyone in need this year.
“I’m totally optimistic. I’ve seen every year that the Banff and Lake Louise communities are very generous with their donations and time so I’m optimistic that at the end of the day we will have something for everybody who’s applied for a hamper.”
Financial and toy donations can be made in person at Banff Town Hall until Dec. 15. Income tax receipts are also available.
