Global Calgary collected thousands of gifts for local families in need on Tuesday as part of our first-ever Morning of Giving.
The new and unwrapped gifts were collected on behalf of local non-profit agency The Magic of Christmas. The charity, which runs entirely on donations, uses Calgary Transit buses to deliver donations to the city’s less fortunate on Christmas Eve.
“Together, we visit homes and hospital rooms of people who are in despair,” a post on The Magic of Christmas website said. “Despair can come in many forms, be it emotional, financial or physical. They may have had a death in their immediate family, lost a job, received a difficult medical diagnosis, or they are spending Christmas in a care facility away from their loved ones.”
“No matter the reason, we work hard to make sure that those in despair experience loving, caring and sharing during a time of the year that is supposed to be joyful.”
Magic of Christmas vice president Clayton Busher said it’s an emotional experience watching recipients open their gifts.
“You see everything from tears to extreme joy. It’s unbelievable and it’s hard to describe.”
Recipients are referred to the charity by doctors, teachers, social workers, police officers and nurses.
Calgary Transit driver Scott has helped with the delivery in previous years and said it was an “amazing experience,” while fellow driver John said he’ll be bringing his whole family with him this year.
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“It is a lot of fun – really enjoy it. My family, we just have a wonderful time… there will be seven from my family this year.”
During Global Calgary’s Morning of Giving, volunteer elves collected donations from families and local businesses at our northeast studios.
“Calgary is very, very generious,” Santa said.
“We came here this morning with an empty bus full of empty boxes – and we’re going to have to get another bus. That’s how generous the people of Calgary have been this morning.”
In total, The Magic of Christmas said almost $20,000 was raised during our three hour broadcast:
- $12,000 in financial donations were recieved over the phone and online
- $2,300 was donated at Global Calgary’s studios
- $5,000 in gift cards were also donated
WATCH: Leslie Horton speaks with Santa at Global Calgary’s first-ever Morning of Giving in support of The Magic of Christmas
If you missed your chance to donate, The Magic of Christmas is open for daily for donation drop-off between 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. at 6912 Farrell Road S.E.
What to donate:
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