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For low-income families, the holidays can be a difficult time of year. But Santa and his group of hardworking elves are working to ensure no child in Edmonton feels left out at Christmas. Sarah Kraus explains – Nov 25, 2017
On Saturday morning, 650 underprivileged kids flooded the Our Lady Queen of Peace North Ranch in Edmonton for its ninth annual Christmas party.
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“Christmas looks different to everybody, right? So we like to support those who might not have the Christmas that you or I have,” explained communications coordinator Kathy Butkovic.
The non-profit caters to mentally, physically and financially challenged children.
For one afternoon, the ranch transforms into a winter wonderland for kids, complete with a petting zoo, police K9 dog, tours of a fire truck, hot lunches and visits with Santa.
Every child also gets to take home a present, a new winter jacket, a toque and mittens and they also get to go shopping in the free store.
“It’s really helpful,” single mom Peggy Nepoose said. “It gives the kids something to do and it lets them know that other people care, and not just me. The community cares.”
About 200 volunteers make the magic happen but Our Lady Queen of Peace also needs donations, and this year, it says it didn’t get enough.
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“The party’s usually a little bit bigger but because of funding restrictions, we could only serve 650 this year, instead of 1,000,” Butkovic said.
View photos from Saturday’s Christmas party at the Our Lady Queen of Peace North Ranch below:
Wow here they come! All of these kids are in for a special Christmas today. Presents, winter clothes, food and a visit from Santa!.
Sarah Kraus / Global News
The kids are hanging out with Edmonton Fire right now, getting a look inside a fire truck!.
Sarah Kraus / Global News
Our friends from EPS Canine are also here! This is Fallon.
Sarah Kraus / Global News
This family is just picking up their Christmas presents. All donated and sorted by age.
Sarah Kraus / Global News
There’s also a petting zoo at the Our Lady Queen of Peace Ranch. Ducks, pigs, donkeys, goats and bunnies galore!.
Sarah Kraus / Global News
Santa is here! He just arrived at OLQP North Ranch to see all the good little boys and girls.
Sarah Kraus / Global News
Santa is here! He just arrived at OLQP North Ranch to see all the good little boys and girls.
Sarah Kraus / Global News
This year OLQP North Ranch could only help 650 kids for Christmas. Normally it’s 1,000 but they’ve struggled to get donations.
Sarah Kraus / Global News
These girls are super stoked to open their presents! Nail polish and horses. “We all got super cool stuff!” “This is awesome!”.
Sarah Kraus / Global News
The trading post at OLQP North Ranch has clothes, stuffed animals, household items and Christmas decorations for families to take home. All free.
Sarah Kraus / Global News