REGINA – A Yorkton family’s generosity went right to local firefighters’ hearts and stomachs earlier this week.
When they saw Yorkton firefighters responding to a call in their neighbourhood, Hailey, Hannah, Taylor, Nicholas and Brianna Knelsen decided they wanted to give back to their community.
Seth Barker, who was one of the firefighters at the fire hall when the Knelsen family dropped off the treats, said the firefighters have never received Christmas presents from children who sold their toys to do so.
“When they were here, they told us they appreciate the work that we did, they appreciated us working holidays, so all the guys at the hall were pretty touched by that,” said Barker.
“We were able to post it online and we got good feedback for it.”
The children’s charitable effort was also inspired by their mother.
“Originally, I was talking about selling my wedding dress and help out families in Regina, like women’s shelters,” said Alyssa Knelsen, the mother of the five siblings. “I wasn’t able to so they wanted to be able to do something of their own, so they decided to sell the doll house.”
The five kids also got a tour of the fire hall and met the firefighters working over the holidays, including Barker.
“We went through the trucks and they saw where we live and where we’re going to spend our holidays here, so it was good,” said Barker.
Alyssa said she can see her kids buying gifts for firefighters or another group in their community next holiday season as they really enjoyed the experience.
“It makes us really proud that they can give instead of just expecting,” said Alyssa.
“It shows maturity. It makes us excited.”
The family also got in touch with the woman who bought the dollhouse to let her know where the money went.
Photos courtesy of Mike Knelsen
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