Vicki and Bob McCaig have been volunteering with the Medicine Hat News' Santa Claus Fund annually since 2008.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Volunteering at the Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund has become a Christmas tradition for Hatters Vicki and Bob McCaig.
The couple began volunteering in 2008 at the request of a friend within the organization, but has returned each year since.
“It’s so enjoyable to do,” Vicki told the News. “And we’re retired, so it’s a way to give back to the community.”
When the McCaigs first began volunteering with SCF, they were charged with selecting and wrapping presents to fill the needs of local families. But as the years past, they have taken on a variety of roles as operations and community needs change.
“We started having parents come in and help pick out the gifts, and that was really good,” said Vicki. “Because parents knows what their child like. We used to get a list from them where they’d say, ‘My child likes Barbies, or trucks, or whatever,’ but it’s not the same as them saying, ‘Oh, they’d like that.’ So, we guide them (as they select gifts).”
One of the couple’s favourite aspects of volunteering with SCF is seeing the reaction of clients.
“People are so grateful,” said Vicki. “Some people cry and give hugs. I got a hug yesterday.”
“Some are embarrassed to come in sometimes (but are) smiling when they leave,” said Bob. “It’s just special to us, to be able to help and to give back to people.”
As the McCaig’s approach their 15th year of SCF volunteerism, they say they have no plans to quit now.
