One of the toys in a donation box (photo courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Teagan Rasche

Medicine Hat organizations doing their part so every kid has a present this Christmas

Dec 1, 2021 | 4:36 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – While one donation box sits half full, in just a few weeks volunteers are hopeful it will overflow with toys.

“We do know that the need is high, higher than ever,” Dominique Hirsch said. “The need is very, very high so that was one of the turning points when we said okay, let’s try and do something for the toy run.”

Hirsch works with the Academy of Learning Career College. This year, they partnered with South Country Co-op for The Santa Claus Fund Toy Drop.

The Santa Claus Fund is a nonprofit organization that supports less fortunate children and families at Christmas.

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Hirsch says everyone wants to see something under the tree and this makes it possible.

“The list includes toys for kids, girls and boys between seven and twelve and the teenage category, so books,” Hirsch said.

Toys can be donated at a variety of locations including the Academy of Learning Career College or any Co-op locations between now until December 13. To access toys for your family, appointments can be made on the Santa Claus Fund’s website.

The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society is another non-profit on a mission to make sure kids have something under the tree.

“Right now, we are doing our Christmas hamper program, people might know that as our old Adopt a Family program,” Natasha Carvalho, Executive Director of the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society said. “Due to COVID, we made some changes last year and it worked really well. We don’t do it as a matching program, but we do still receive donations and then the moms, dads and parents can come shop for the presents they want for their kids.”

This program ensures that those fleeing family violence don’t go without a Christmas. Carvalho says the need for hampers has grown over the years.

“We usually serve over 100 families through that program so it’s any family that’s connected with our shelter services or any of our programs,” Carvalho said.

Gift cards and new toys for kids and families can be dropped off at Sun Valley Honda and Davis GMC.

This upcoming Saturday, the Medicine Hat Tigers will host their Teddy Bear Toss when they play the Brandon Wheat Kings. Fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears and winter gear and throw it onto the ice after the home team scores.

The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society and The Santa Claus Fund are two of the four charities that will benefit. Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation and the Salvation Army will also receive some of the donations.

The puck drops at 7 p.m.