REGINA – Hundreds of children packed St. Andrew’s United Church this afternoon for Youth For Christ’s Annual Kids Christmas Party.
“We want to make sure that every kid has a great Christmas, that they have gifts and that they are not felt left out,” said coordinator Aaron Cross.
The night featured crafts, supper, and a performance by local singer Matt Rapley.
Cross and his team collected 400 gifts for the children, many of whom are in need. He said that getting enough gifts “came down to the wire,” but Regina’s donors came through.
“For me, presents-wise, it’s greatly appreciated because during the year we’re not able to provide everything for our children,” said father-of-nine Jonathan Shepherd, adding that the gifts were special to him “to watch the looks on their faces.”
Santa’s helpers come in many shapes and sizes. In a backroom at the church, Noah Audette came in at around 5’10” and 18 years of age. He wrapped between 50-80 presents today.
He said Christmastime can make people very “me-focused. And I think it’s important, as a community, and, as a people, to be more focused on other people.”