Santa Claus Fund in for busy season

By Jeremy Appel on November 13, 2018.

NEWS PHOTO JEREMY APPEL
Santa Claus Fund executive director Deanna Doerksen stands outside the SCF's holiday home, where it will be receiving and sorting through various donations this holiday season.

jappel@medicinehatnews.com @MHNJeremyAppel

There will be plenty of opportunity for Hatters to get into the holiday spirit this season by giving to the less fortunate, courtesy of the Santa Claus Fund.

“It’s a collaborative effort to finds funds that are needed to provide Christmas to our local families in need,” says SCF executive director Deanna Doerksen.

About 85 per cent of the group’s fundraising occurs in November and December, Doerksen added.

The Spirit of Giving Gala kicks off the season at the Medicine Hat Lodge on Nov. 17.

Tickets are $75 and include food, drink, entertainment and auctions.

They can be purchased at the Lodge or online at Eventbrite.

Suffield firefighters will be collecting toys outside of Wal Mart on Nov. 25 and Dec. 1.

On Dec. 2, the Medicine Hat Lodge is hosting a Christmas party for kids.

Canadian Tire will be hosting the Medicine Hat Speedway’s “Stuff-a -Stock Car” while the SCF charity auction will occur at the Stampede Grounds on Dec. 8.

The Girl Guides will be collecting toys on behalf of the SCF outside of Canadian Tire on Dec. 15 to help build its mountain of toys.

On Dec. 16, the Kal Tire across from the Canalta Centre is hosting a free screening of the 2003 movie “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell.

Those who want to stop by the SCF’s Holiday Home and donate can do so from Nov. 21 to Dec. 6, but the SCF will be based at its headquarters there until the end of January.

The SCF will also be providing crisis assistance until Dec. 21.