You will always find Barry Munson in the same place during the holiday season. For the past 46 years, his Christmas tradition has been volunteering with 630 CHED Santas Anonymous.
In the early 70s, as a member of the Northern Alberta Sports Club, he was introduced to the organization. Since then, things have changed significantly, but he still shows up at Santas Depot, year after year.
“I get to choose what I want to do and this is one of the things I want to do at this time of the year,” Munson said. “It’s kind of emotional when you see the impact the simple gift, the simple time, has on people.”
WATCH: 630 CHED Santas Anonymous preparing presents for Edmonton kids
He’s had just about every job you can think of with Santas Anonymous. He’s worked as a gift wrapper, he’s picked up toys from various locations throughout the city and of course, he’s delivered presents; in fact, delivery day is his favourite.
“It’s simply amazing the volunteers that we get here,” Munson told Global News.
Munson recalled a year when the temperature dipped below -25 C and the wind was blowing.
“We had people lined up almost around the block. They were standing out there for an hour-and-a-half,” he said. “You really do have to see that; the spirit of giving this community does have.”
Watch below: 630 CHED Santas Anonymous has a storied history in Edmonton, dating back more than 60 years. Here’s a closer look at what goes into running the charity year after year.
Over 46 years you can help a lot of people, and that’s what Munson has done. When he started, he recalls nearly 12,000 kids needing help over the holidays. He said now, that number has nearly tripled.
It’s a Christmas present in itself to this retiree. The feeling of handing over a package to someone in need, is something you can’t buy in a store.
“There’s no trumpets or accolades,” he said. “It’s just a one-on-one relationship. It’s instantaneous and so warm.”
READ MORE: Spirit of giving comes full circle for Santas Anonymous recipients
For now, he will keep volunteering. When asked when he’d stop, Munson simply said, “as long as I can walk I will.”
Global Edmonton will broadcast live from Santas Depot Monday during Global News at 5 and Global News Hour at 6.
Watch below: Santas Anonymous has become synonymous with Christmas in Edmonton. Julia Wong takes us through the history of the massive toy drive.
Watch below: Emily Mertz explains how donations for the Santas Anonymous toy drive get to homes in time for Christmas.
Watch below: Gord Steinke speaks to Santas Anonymous vice-chair Syd Smith about how the annual Edmonton toy drive works.
Watch below: Nancy Carlson speaks to Lana Nordlund, executive director of Santas Anonymous, about how the toy drive works and the teamwork involved.