Be thankful for time with family

Turkey, gifts, mashed potatoes, bright eyes, wide smiles ... that’s what happens when the Salvation Army delivers hampers, and Christmas spirit, to approximately 1,400 area families this holiday season.

It’s a huge undertaking. Those families benefit directly from our Sporting Christmas fundraiser, which is why people like Brian Swidrovich are so important to what we do.

“We buried my dad (Thursday), writes Brian, “and asked that in lieu of flowers, that friends and family contribute to the Salvation Army, either through the StarPhoenix or directly — I’ve already been made aware that several folks have done so. Great!

“In addition, please find a cheque for $529. This donation is in memory of my dad (Paul), who passed away at 93 ($93) and my mom (Mary). She passed away in 2012 at 78 ($78). We remember the 158 Canadian troops who served and died in Afghanistan ($158) and $200 from my wife and I.

“Many families spend Christmas without their parents/grandparents and we now join that saddened group. Our wish is that families who are fortunate to still have that generation in their lives, that they cherish that time. ”

Condolences to Brian and family, and a thank you for another thoughtful gift.

“Donating to Sporting Christmas in memory of our son, Kevin, was an important tradition for Bob and I,” writes Lynn Stark. “Now I continue the tradition in memory of both Bob and Kevin, hoping the donation helps brighten the season for someone who could use a boost (not a hip-check!)”

“Once again,” write Andy and Joan Fusick, “we would like to donate to this great fundraiser to help families in our community have a brighter Christmas.”

Over at Schaan Healthcare Products, the staff Christmas party includes a fundraiser, with the amount matched by the company and sent to Sporting Christmas.

Colin Schaan, the president and CEO sends us this quote from James Russell Miller — “Nothing else in all life is such a maker of joy and cheer as the privilege of doing good,” — and this note.

“We all have traditions that make the holidays special for us,” Colin writes. “At Schaan Healthcare Products, one of our favourite traditions is donating the proceeds of our staff holiday party toonie bar to Sporting Christmas.

“We wish to thank the StarPhoenix and the Salvation Army for their time and commitment to helping the more vulnerable members of our community, as well as our staff for supporting another banner year for Sporting Christmas! Thank you for extending this opportunity to us and others.”

Joan and Harv Hildebrandt donate in favour of their mothers, and friends who have passed on, while noting: “We’ve been donating to Sporting Christmas since 1999. We hope the unfortunate have a merry Christmas and a bright New Year.”

Ron Carr and family donate in memory of “wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother Rose. She loved Christmas with all the lights, music, food and family and friends.”

The folks who keep things running smoothly on the ice and hardwood both send donations today — thanks to the whistle-blowing, unsung heroes at the Saskatoon Recreational Referees Association, and the Saskatoon Basketball Officials Association.

Three donations remember Cam Fuller, the StarPhoenix arts editor and columnist who passed away this week; track-and-field coaching great Lyle Sanderson is also remembered, as are good sports Pete Korthuis, Ron Morris and Wade Hindmarsh.

It’s been another great Sporting Christmas day. We’re just a shade under $80,000, and it’s not too late to help.

To give online, please visit thestarphoenix.com/sportingchristmas and click the donation link, or stop at our downtown office and leave your donation at our front desk (if you arrive before noon), or in the slot inside the front doors. You can also mail to:

Sporting Christmas c/o The StarPhoenix

204 Fifth Ave. North, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2P1

Thanks to today’s Santas:

Memory of Brian Hilsen, longtime ■ official and assignor, from Saskatoon Basketball Officials Association: $300

Schaan Healthcare Products: ■

$674

Memory of Cam Fuller from Betty ■ Ann Adam: $200

Memory of lost loved ones Helen, ■ Bob, Dwayne, Karen from Thompsons and Tomlinsons: $100

Memory of Cam Fuller: $232.85 ■

Memory of Bob and Kevin from ■

Lynn Stark: $300

Loving memory of our moms ■

Ruth Zook and Helen Hildebrandt, and Verna Kilburn, Jack Chynoweth, Peter Zacharias, Len Hildebrandt, Eleanor Sereda from Joan and Harv Hildebrandt: $200

Loving memory of John Pederson ■ from his family: $100

Memory of wife, mother, grandmother ■ and great grandmother Rose, from Ron Carr and families: $50

Memory of Pete Korthuis, Ron ■

Morris and Wade Hindmarsh (a.k.a. Snipe, Merc and Himi) from family, friends and teammates: $1,640

Saskatoon Recreational Referees ■ Association: $1,020

Memory of dad Paul, mom Mary, ■ and the 158 Canadian troops who served and died in Afghanistan, from Brian and Sherri Swidrovich: $529

Memory of Lyle Sanderson from ■

Lisa Dunville: $50

With sympathy to family of Cam ■

Fuller, whose work I enjoyed for many years, from Darlene McAulay: $100

Andy and Joan Fusick: $1,200

■

Memory of Ron McGrath: $100 ■ Remembering all Broncos families, ■ during this difficult milestone. Blessings and comfort to you all, from Peggy and Warren Medernach: $100

Anonymous: $100

■

Memory of Joe and Rose Bakos ■ and Christmas Eves on Avenue B North from George and Wilma Turay:$50

Today’s total: $7,045.85

TOTAL TO DATE: $79,514.96