After countless hours of gathering, sorting and wrapping toys, nearly 25,000 children in need in Edmonton will have a present to open on Christmas morning.
Over the weekend, hundreds of volunteers came through for 630 CHED Santas Anonymous, to help deliver Christmas packages to families in need.
“This weekend was absolutely fantastic. It was a little overwhelming yesterday with so many people coming out when the weather was so bad, however, we got a lot of packages out,” Lana Nordlund, executive director of Santas Anonymous, said.
“Yesterday morning was as cold as we’ve seen it in my time. It certainly has been colder in Santas 60-plus year history. But you know what, Edmontonians, we are a hearty bunch.”
Watch below: Hundreds of people lined up in the frigid, sub-zero temperatures to help deliver toys for Santas Anonymous Saturday.
The two-day delivery event drew in 1,700 volunteer drivers and their helpers, with people lining up to help hours before delivery started. On Sunday, Nordlund said they were forced to turn people away.
“Sunday we ended up turning away volunteers, which is sad but happy, because that means that every package will be delivered.”
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.
The focus now shifts on Santas Anonymous’ walk-in program, which will be held on Dec. 22 and 23.
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