Santas Anonymous helps families receive Christmas cheer

Many families in need use 980 CJME’s Santas Anonymous to ensure their children have a present to open this year, though it’s not always easy to admit they need help.

Val Wicks with the Salvation Army said the organization has around 1,000 families registered to receive gifts this year, and there’s still a week left.

“We have families that come just at Christmas. They make it throughout the whole year, but Christmas adds that little bit extra,” Wicks told 980 CJME’s Morning Show Friday.

Wicks said while some of the families are new to the program – and new to Canada – others have experienced job changes and are reaching out for help.

“For generations, these families have been able to look after themselves and now, all of a sudden, I’m seeing these parents that think they are a failure.”

She said she talks with these parents to let them know the price of living has increased, and they are doing the best they can.

“When they leave, it’s like a whole different person,” Wicks said. “The weight is lifted off their shoulders, they can go and know that their kids are going to be looked after.”

Wicks said she hasn’t seen any parents worried about themselves, adding it’s all about making sure Christmas is a wonderful time for the kids.

Tim Hortons brews up donation

Tim Hortons locations around Regina pulled together to fundraise for the campaign to buy toys for children.

Representative Mike Di Stasi stopped by the CJME Morning Show to bring doughnuts and a $1,000 cheque to go towards Santas Anonymous.

He said all the Saskatchewan franchises are doing different things to give back to their communities.

Donations to Santas Anonymous are open until Dec. 12.

If people are feeling extra giving, they can join members of 980 CJME at the Santas Anonymous Wrap Day on Dec. 16 at Regina Food Bank.