CANMORE – ’Tis the season for giving.
The 2020 Christmas Spirit Campaign is in full swing and in more demand than in previous years.
“There are so many people in this community living on the margins and then you tack COVID on top of that, and people are stressed they are trying to keep their families happy,” said Dave Smalley, communications director for the Bow Valley Christmas Spirit Society.
“This year we have seen a big uptick in the number of hampers requested. It was already a challenging time economically before COVID – there are a lot of people in need this year.”
Despite the increase in hampers requested, Smalley said the donations have been pouring in. Last year the campaign raised more than $74,000, and this year they are aiming for $90,000. So far the campaign has received more than $28,000.
“It really amazes me – the generosity in this community," he said. "This year we are seeing a really good response, which is great because we can help give those in need a happy Christmas.”
Smalley said this year the campaign requires toy donations, which are accepted until Dec. 12. Art and craft supplies, dolls, LEGO and baby toys, are all in high demand this year.
The backbone of the campaign is the volunteers. However, due to COVID-19, the campaign has had to adapt.
“Over the years, people in this community have been so enthusiastic about volunteering, dressing up as elves, Santa – you name it and giving their time," he said. "But this year the inability to have a team of community volunteers has been the biggest impact.”
Volunteers are unable to go door-to-door for the collection of food donations for the Royal LePage Rocky Mountain Realty 29th Annual Food Bank Drive. This year those interested in donating can register online to have their donations picked up from their front steps on Thursday (Dec. 3).
This year the applicants will pick up their hampers at a predetermined time as opposed to having it dropped off by volunteers.
The deadline for applicants to sign up for a Christmas hamper is Friday (Dec. 4), and the hampers will be able to be picked up by appointment between Dec. 14-16.
“This is a stressful time of year for many people, even in the best of times and if we can help take the burden off a few people's shoulders it's worth it," Smalley said.
The campaign also supports the Bow Valley Elves program, which connects seniors with the community through gift-giving.
“The seniors will write a personal gift request and then it will be put under then tree, this year it is at Rusticana, and then people can choose a tag, buy the gift, wrap it and put it back under the tree," he said.
In previous years, students from Canmore Collegiate would deliver the gifts to the seniors, but will be unable to do that this year. There are plans to do a Zoom meeting where the students would sing Christmas carols as an alternative.
“It’s a great way to bring seniors into the community especially during Christmas time.”