Community comes through for Santa Claus Fund record year

The Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund was able to meet record demand this Holiday Season thanks to an outpouring of community support.

In mid-December the SCF had helped 668 families, including 1,397 children — and that was while emergency intake was still ongoing.

On top of the increased volume of those in need, the SCF was forced to cancel or alter major fundraisers. The Spirit of Giving Gala and annual auction were cancelled, while the Toy Run was held virtually.

Executive director Deanna Doerksen says the community came through this year to help bring Christmas to those in need.

“It was busy like no other year,” she said. “We couldn’t have done that without the community support.

“We are so lucky to be in Medicine Hat because it’s such a supportive community.

“We were overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit.”

Doerksen says a lot of credit goes to community leaders who found different ways to fundraise during the pandemic.

“Everyone did everything they could to help us out,” she said.

The Suffield Firefighters held a private collection of toys in lieu of their annual collection outside of Walmart. IG Wealth Management helped bring parades to life, which brought around

$25,000 in toys for the SCF. Scotiabank started a campaign where it matched donations to the SCF, with Canadian Tire and Methanex making large donations through that program. Wendy’s set up a point-of-sale donation program for the SCF and held a Frosty day, where Frosty sales went to the SCF.

The SCF also gave out hundreds of wooden mini sticks thanks to Frank Callaghan. Servus Credit Union stepped in to sponsor the board game shelves. CIBC Wood Gundy sponsored the book shelf.

Doerksen says she will keep busy this year fundraising in preparation for a what is going to be a busy 2021 Holiday Season.