‘Edmonton is a very generous city’: Christmas Bureau seeks donations to keep holiday pantries full
For the past 80 years, the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton has been making miracles happen for children, seniors, individuals and families in need. This year promises to be both its most challenging and most significant year yet.
“We had big plans to commemorate this important milestone through our Christmas in July fundraising and holiday campaigns,” says Katherine Stavropoulos, Manager, Marketing & Communications for the Christmas Bureau. “However, that all changed with the arrival of the pandemic.”
What also changed with the onset of COVID-19 is how many Edmontonians are seeking help this year. In 2019, the Christmas Bureau provided a festive meal to 38,428 individuals — 14,637 of which were children under age 12, and 4,545 were teens aged 13 to 17 — this year’s need is extraordinary. Previous years showed an average increase in demand of two to five per cent, but 2020’s increase of 12 to 15 per cent is unprecedented. “Our phones are literally ringing off the hook,” says Stavropoulos.
Through the Christmas Bureau, Edmontonians in need can access three different services: a grocery store gift card, toys for children under age 12 (via 630 CHED Santas Anonymous) and a gift card for teenagers who may otherwise receive nothing at all (via the Adopt a Teen program). But with large fundraising gatherings no longer an option, the Christmas Bureau has had to shift their focus and creatively reimagine ways to best reach their donors, all mainly online.
Many of their fundraising activities centred around gathering for a meal, which is symbolic of what is provided for families — a festive meal at Christmastime. Fundraising activities for the 2020 Christmas campaign include an online Christmas shopping experience that highlights many local companies and businesses that support the Christmas Bureau. One of the highlights includes some amazing handcrafted toys from the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Facility.
There are also several third- party fundraisers being hosted by local businesses in support of the Christmas Bureau.
They are constantly updating our website with new initiatives, so it’s important for people to check back often.
“Edmonton is a very generous city, and they have always come through for our neighbours in the past and as the need for help increases, so does the need for donations,” says
Stavropoulos. “So please donate whatever you’re able, as every single dollar adds up to helping our neighbours in need.”
Donations can be made online at www.christmasbureau.ca; by calling 780421- 9627; or by mail to Christmas Bureau of Edmonton, #1, 12122 68 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T5B 1R1.