Tag: Christmas

Volunteering with Santas Anonymous

Mack, always up for informal meet-ups with local Twitter-users, was all for an informal Tweetup at the Santas Anonymous warehouse tonight, and I was more than happy to pitch in myself.

We headed to the warehouse on the west end of the city, and after filling in a quick one-page application form, were led to the bagging room. My family and I have delivered presents for Santas Anonymous before, so the mounds of presents encased in garbage bags were a familiar sight to me, but this was my first time participating at an earlier stage.

 

Bagging room

 

Tags, divided into areas of the city

We were shown the bagging process – how to identify the number and ages of the children in the household, and how to properly secure the address tag to the bag – before being set loose. With holiday music playing in the background, it wasn’t a difficult or laborious task at all. The four of us in total who had shown up managed to get through quite a few tags, but as I remarked to Mack at the end of the night – we really could have just kept going. Between the “wrapping bees” outside, and knowing that the charity is still collecting toys, it is amazing to me that they will ever be ready for delivery day. The logistical challenges of collecting, sorting, wrapping and delivering thousands of toys just boggle my mind – but bravo to the organizers for pulling it off every year.

 

Mack and Diane hard at work

I think my family and I will be delivering presents again this year – after seeing a bit of what goes on behind the scenes, I’m even more excited to do so. If you want to join in on spreading Christmas cheer, check out the details on the Santas Anonymous website.

December in Edmonton is for the Holidays

  • Choirs are definitely a part of the season – the Legislature hosts singing troops both at noon hours and in the evenings from December 1-23, even serving hot chocolate to listeners! Choir schedule here.
  • The City Hall also hosts elementary school choirs at noon hour, in a series called Holiday Magic, but with a shorter run, from December 1-5.
  • If you missed the holiday light-up in Churchill Square last month, don’t despair – you can check out the light-up at the Legislature grounds on December 4, which host their own display of Bright Nights figures.
  • Every Thursday evening in December, join an expert in science, ethics, philosophy or religion on a tour through the Imagining Science exhibit at the Art Gallery of Alberta.
  • Toted as “Western Canada’s Best Craft Sale”, the annual Butterdome Craft Sale takes place December 4-7.
  • Looking to buy a poinsetta for a festive addition to your home? The Muttart Conservatory is open December 6-7 & 13-14 for pots and some hands-on workshops. Print this newsletter for 20% off.
  • The Market at Callingwood is hosting hay rides with Santa Claus on December 6, 13 & 20.
  • Just in time for the cold weather, the annual Jingle On!, Downtown Edmonton’s Indoor Santa Claus Parade will happen on December 7.
  • University of Alberta Alumni are invited to a Holiday Shindig at Latitude 53 on December 11. RSVP details here.
  • Savoy’s (10401 Whyte Avenue) Sip and Splurge, an alternative craft shopping event, is taking place on December 11 from 5-10pm. Bring a donation for the Food Bank for admission.
  • The official light-up for Candy Cane Lane is set for December 12, but the displays will be lit throughout the month. Remember your donation to the Food Bank if you’re planning a visit!
  • Join the ETS for a Christmas Lights Tour from December 15-21. It seems some times have already sold out.
  • The Winspear Centre’s annual fundraiser for the Christmas Bureau is taking place on December 19. Bring a donation and join 16 choirs for a Christmas Carol Sing-along.
  • Hopefully the weather is conducive to outdoor fireworks viewing on December 31, but regardless of the temperature, you can bet Churchill Square will be hopping with those anxious for it to be 2009! Check the Edmonton Downtown website closer to the date for details.