Over 650 families across Calgary got a special visit from Santa, and a crew of volunteer elves, Monday as the Magic of Christmas was once again spread throughout the city.
Global News Morning Calgary’s Leslie Horton tagged along with Santa Claus as a Calgary Transit bus full of toys made the rounds in the early morning hours.
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.
The charity said it uses 20 buses and has more than 650 volunteers on 6.5-hour bus shifts, delivering gifts to hundreds families while visiting over 4,500 people in hospitals and other care facilities.
WATCH: Delivery day for the Magic of Christmas
This year at Global Calgary’s Morning of Giving, $72,000 in donations and more than 6,500 toys were collected from the Calgary community.
Last year, $29,260 was raised during the three-hour broadcast — including cash donations, gift cards, gift certificates and online donations. In addition, 3,600 items were donated.
– With files from Global News’ Kaylen Small
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