Advertisement

Calgary foster mom creates ‘awesome’ free gift service for foster families

Click to play video: 'Calgary foster mom creates ‘awesome’ free gift service for foster families'
Calgary foster mom creates ‘awesome’ free gift service for foster families
Some great Christmas surprises are on the way for hundreds of foster kids in Calgary. As Gil Tucker shows us, this comes thanks to a foster mom who saw a need and stepped up to help. – Dec 20, 2021

Some great Christmas surprises are on the way for hundreds of foster kids in Calgary thanks to a foster mom who saw a need and stepped up to help.

Debbie Mastel is operating a free gift service for her fellow foster families out of her garage and she has collected donated toys to offer to the 1,265 foster children in the Calgary area.

This is her first Christmas operating the service, which she plans to offer year-round.

“We call it ‘Take Me Home Toys,’ (featuring) gently used and new toys,” Mastel said. “The foster parents go online and they can pick out the perfect toys for the kids.”

Click to play video: 'Alberta country musicians step up to help children in need this holiday season'
Alberta country musicians step up to help children in need this holiday season

Elisa Boschman arrived at Mastel’s garage Monday to pick up a doll and other presents she’d ordered for her 7-year-old foster daughter, who’s been part of her family for just four months.

Story continues below advertisement

“(Given) her enjoyment of dolls, I think she’s just going to be so excited. She has nothing like this. She came to us with nothing,” Boschman said. “And then being able to come to and find a place like this — it’s just awesome.”

Julian Hallett arrived with a large donation of toys Monday, a collection he and his co-workers had purchased.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“We have about $1,500 worth of toys, for all different ages,” Hallett said. “We wanted to make sure that everyone has something under the tree for Christmas this year.”

Click to play video: 'Month of Giving: Leslie Horton highlights the importance of Kerby Centre in Calgary with special guests'
Month of Giving: Leslie Horton highlights the importance of Kerby Centre in Calgary with special guests

Mastel’s donation campaign is ongoing, with more information available by emailing info@fostercalgary.com

Story continues below advertisement

“Every time a parent comes to pick up the toys, we know we are doing the right thing,” Mastel said.

Boschman says she’s grateful for the support, especially at Christmas time.

“It is such a gift, a gift to our family.”

Sponsored content

AdChoices