A Cambodian man who came to Canada as a refugee nearly three decades ago is now spending time playing Santa Claus for those in need.
“We came to Canada with a box of clothes and a bag of rice,” Ouchs said. “The Vernon community took our family in by helping and giving us a better life.”
Twenty-eight years later, Ouch runs a successful restaurant in Vernon and is involved in many fundraising events.
This year, he’s also giving away 10 Luvabella dolls to families in North America. The popular toy is largely sold out this season.
After posting a video online that said the family would be giving away the dolls, Ouchs said they received more than 3,000 letters to Santa.
Vernon resident Stacie Watson entered her younger sisters into the contest and they won a doll.
“It’s a good Christmas present for them because we hadn’t actually got them anything yet,” she said.
Ouchs said watching the girls unwrap the doll “hits your heart.”
“Totally worth it what we’re doing,” he said.
“One person in West Virginia, you know, she said she can’t afford something like this,” he explained. “And to be able to give this to her daughter for Christmas, you know, she was in tears. She was shocked. And that’s the best feeling.”
But most important for Ouchs is passing on to his daughters the value of giving.
“I grew up, you know, not having a lot, and just seeing what we have now … I really want to show them the true meaning of Christmas and life.