Rocky View County firefighters are once more pitching in to try to bring a little joy to kids this holiday season.
For the past eight years, RVC firefighters and fire halls have been collecting new and unwrapped toys to support the Magic of Christmas. Founded in 1983, The Magic of Christmas has more than 6,000 volunteers. On Christmas Eve, the charity uses Calgary Transit buses, which are decorated as Santa’s reindeer, and volunteers dressed as Santa and his elves, to visit over 650 families across the region, delivering gifts and food hampers. They also bring Christmas cheer to over 4,500 people in hospitals, care homes and other institutions.
The toy drive will officially be ending on Dec. 18, but any gifts that come in after that date can be warehoused until next year.
“Those gifts are going to less fortunate families,” said RVC firefighter Maxime Royer. “But also to hospitals and places like that as well.”
With the exceptions of Madden, Beiseker and Langdon stations, those wishing to donate can do so at their nearest county fire hall or at Rocky View County headquarters in Balzac.
“It's a great thing to help people in our community,” said Royer. “When you know that you can make a difference in someone's life during the holiday by bringing a gift. So if you can please help out.”