Canadian Tire owners Rob and Jodi Harvey donate $5,000 to the Santa Claus Fund through Scotiabank. Scotiabank branch manager Nicole Pituley (in white) and SCF executive director Deanna Doerksen accepted the cheque.--NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@mocranker
Need for the Santa Claus Fund could be greater than ever this year.
Unfortunately, however, the organization has had to cancel or modify major fundraisers. That includes the annual Spirit of Giving Gala.
In previous years, supporters packed the Medicine Hat Lodge events room to bid on custom-decorated Christmas trees, raising thousands for the SCF.
A few local businesses have stepped up to help out the SCF during the time of need.
The Dunmore Road Scotiabank location is matching toy and cash donations up to $15,000 this year for all donations dropped off at select locations.
“We can’t do our tree for the Gala this year, but wanted to stay involved,” said branch manager Nicole Pituley. “We came up with the idea for toy donations, because it sounds like they’re really short on them this year.
“People can bring toys to either of our locations or our wealth management office. We also have a bin at the Holiday Home.
“We’re hoping to get $15,000 in toys and cash brought through the branches so we can match it fully.”
Pituley says the SCF can’t be forgotten.
“Children can’t choose the situation they’re in,” she said. “It’s very important to have this charity that can help give back to those who need it, and to help those parents in need.”
Canadian Tire owners Robert and Jodi Harvey are doing their part to help out the SCF by donating $5,000 to the cause.
“We had been the title sponsor for the gala that was launched a few years ago,” said Robert. “We’re making a contribution to the SCF to help them buy toys and other items necessary.
“We also work with the SCF to help fill the gaps a bit and help them get items they may not get through donations.”
On top of the support from Canadian Tire, Methanex will be donating $5,000 to the SCF through Scotiabank.
Methanex stakeholder relations manager Jody Magill says it is an important time of year to give back.
“We appreciate that Christmas can be a really stressful time for families, this year especially,” she said. “Methanex has always worked closely with the SCF because it is an important community organization.
“They bring so much joy to homes in our community.”
