630 CHED helped raise $283,690 for 630 CHED Santas Anonymous on Tuesday as the organization looks to raise money to ensure every child has a gift under the tree this year.
Tuesday was Santas Day on 630 CHED. One of the highlights of Tuesday’s fundraising effort was a $100,000 donation from the Buchanan Family Foundation.
The day also featured stories from long-time volunteers, past recipients and board members on 630 CHED airwaves.
“This year it’s more important than ever,” executive director Lana Nordlund said. “We need to have something to look forward to, everybody does, and especially children.
“The thought of not having a new toy or a new gift to open up Christmas morning can be absolutely devastating for a child and can also be devastating for the parent who can’t afford to do so.“
Santas Day replaced the traditional auction format that was started years ago. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the usual format didn’t make sense. Most of the auction items were experience packages that wouldn’t be possible to do these days.
So Santas did what so many charities have been doing this year and adapted its plan.
“This one, I think, is going to be actually more exciting because everybody is going to participate. Whether you can give $10 or whether you bought an auction item before and paid thousands for it, everybody can participate in this particular event,” Nordlund said.
“Now more than ever, the need for groups like 630 CHED Santas Anonymous is clearly in front of all of us,” Corus regional program director John Vos said. “Like so many, Santas has been hit by the pandemic and its associated challenges. That why Santas Day on 630 CHED is so central in raising dollars and helping Edmonton children.”
Santas Day ran from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and there were four power hours through the day where donations were matched.
During 630 CHED Mornings with Chelsea Bird and Shaye Ganam, Leading Edge Physiotherapy matched all donations up to $5,000. Donations up to $3,500 were matched by Danielle’s SOS Bookkeeping Services from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with Danielle Smith.
During 630 CHED Afternoons with J’lyn Nye, Sentinel Storage matched donations from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sky Eye Measurement matched donations from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Both companies has committed to matching up to $5,000 worth of donations.
During power hours, donations made by phone or online were matched.
“Edmonton and the surrounding communities come through time and time again, and we are hoping that they do again,” Nordlund said ahead of Santas Day.
While Santas Day has come to an end, donations are always accepted on the Santas website.