Global Calgary’s 2018 Morning of Giving a big success

The 2018 Global Calgary Morning of Giving was a big success Wednesday as Calgarians of all stripes came out to support the Magic of Christmas Charity.

Our parking lot at Global Calgary was turned into a giant TV set, complete with entertainment, pancakes, and special guests as we collected gifts and donations for the non-profit agency The Magic of Christmas. All the donations received will be turned over to the charity, where elves and volunteers will match the gifts to the hundreds of families who really need some Christmas cheer this year.

WATCH: The need for the Magic of Christmas

3:22 The need for the Magic of Christmas

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The Magic of Christmas charity, which runs entirely on donations, uses Calgary Transit buses to deliver donations to the city’s less fortunate on Christmas Eve.

WATCH: Volunteers at the Magic of Christmas are noticing a new need this holiday season. Here’s Gil Tucker on the effort to bring winter warmth to hundreds of struggling Calgarians.

1:46 Magic of Christmas appeals for winter wear for Calgary’s less fortunate

This year, $72,000 in donations and more than 6,500 toys were collected.

Last year, $29,260.52 was raised during our three-hour broadcast, including cash donations, gift cards, gift certificates and online donations. In addition, 3,600 items were donated.

WATCH: Global Calgary’s Leslie Horton talks with Mayor Naheed Nenshi during The Morning of Giving.

1:14 Calgary’s mayor drops by The Morning of Giving

The Magic of Christmas is a non-profit charity founded in 1983.

The organization works with the City of Calgary social services and the Calgary Police Service to make sure Santa doesn’t miss anyone who needs a special visit.

WATCH: The role of volunteers

2:52 The role of volunteers

WATCH: A BIG donation for the Magic of Christmas!

2:07 A BIG donation for the Magic of Christmas!

Where to donate

Donations will be accepted at The Magic of Christmas’ headquarters (called Santa’s Workshop) located at #1, 4416 – 5th Street N.E. in November and December, and dozens of drop-off locations throughout the city – which can be found on The Magic of Christmas’ website.

Money can also be donated through the Magic of Christmas’ website.

In addition, donations can be made at Q107’s studios at 200 3320 17 Ave. S.W. from Dec. 3 until Dec. 21.

Or, you can drop off donations at any of Calgary’s Bowest Appliances locations:

Bowest Appliances – Barlow Trail
Bay 25, 3900 106 Avenue SE
Calgary, AB
T2E 5B6
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bowest Appliances – Bowness Location
#101, 6323 Bowness Road NW
Calgary, AB
T3B 0E4
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

Bowest Appliances – 32nd Ave location
Bay K, 2020 32 Avenue N.E.
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What to donate

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WATCH: Making a difference on Christmas Day

2:36 Making a difference on Christmas Day

How recipients are chosen  

According to the Magic of Christmas, the recipients are referred to the charity by doctors, teachers, social workers, police officers and nurses.

With files from Global News

WATCH: How to become a Christmas elf!

2:11 How to become a Christmas elf!

WATCH: Global Calgary’s Morning of Giving has raised $72,000 in donations and more than 6,500 toys for the Magic of Christmas.

3:20 Global Calgary’s Morning of Giving raises $55K for Magic of Christmas