HEROES FOR CITY’S KIDS
Cory Sanders, 10, sits on Santa’s lap during the Calgary Firefighters Annual Children’s Christmas Party at the Stampede Corral on Sunday. About 3,000 kids joined around 200 firefighters at the charity event that included lunch, entertainment and presents.
Calgary firefighters marked a halfcentury of providing Christmas cheer for underprivileged kids by hosting one of the largest crowds they’ve seen.
About 3,000 children with their parents swarmed into the Stampede Corral on Sunday for a holiday bash that included lunch, entertainment and presents from Santa.
“It was certainly the most I’ve ever seen, certainly the busiest,” said Jamie Blayney, president of the Calgary Firefighters Toy Association.
“Last year was one of our biggest.”
It’s a Christmas many of the revellers wouldn’t otherwise have, he said, particularly as the effect of the recent economic downturn seems to be lingering.
But the firefighters, who pay for the $50,000 to $60,000 party through paycheque deductions, make sure the kids feel appreciated.
“The toys are ones that are trending. We really do try to make sure they’re thoughtful gifts tailored for gender and age,” said Blayney, adding about 200 firefighters took part in the bash.
The children and their families receive referrals from their schools and the Salvation Army.