Operation Christmas Child underway

Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs for Prince Albert’s Parkland Ambulance said they’ve been a collection and distribution centre for the last five years.

“We just love it. It’s just one of those projects that gets you into the Spirit of Christmas, albeit it’s brown and not Christmas [like] outside, but it gives us a chance to make a difference.”

He said they like to be engaged with the community locally by taking part in projects like this.

“But sometimes we, as a staff, like to engage ourselves in a much more global project and this is one of those things that we’re happy to do and engage with our partners,” Karasiuk said.

Parkland Ambulance sees tons of support for Operation Christmas Child and people take part from as far as the Canwood/Debden area to the Christopher Lake.

Karasiuk said they’ve also seen support come from the St. Louis area and a whole host of people from in and around Prince Albert.

“What Operation Christmas Child does is it allows you the public whether you’re at home, in school, at church, maybe a group of friends to build a shoebox. We have custom made boxes that you can build,” he said.

He said what they’re asking for is the shoeboxes be filled with things that a child, boy or girl aged between four and 10, would like for Christmas.

Items that can be included in the boxes can be anything from crayons, toys, hand games and basic hygiene items.

Karasiuk said they have a list of appropriate and not appropriate gifts on their website.

He said the boxes will end up in developing countries like Haiti, the Dominican or in Central or South America and because these countries have been ravaged by conflict and other means, it’s important to have appropriate gifts for the children.

“Please stay away from things like, oddly, playing cards. For some countries where these end up they have religious beliefs that a playing card is not consistent with. Please stay away from games that have a war connotation, some of these countries the kids have been ravaged by war and we don’t need to suggest that anymore … And you can’t put in any perishable items like candy or gum or stuff that customs might not like to have in a given country.”

He said there is a list online of appropriate gifts, like brushes, combs, stuffed animals and socks.

Karasiuk said you can even use things like Tupperware containers or a bowl in lieu of the shoebox because they’re items that are sot after commodities in developing countries.

“[When you] think of a Tupperware container, something that might, after the toys are gone, be used as a vessel to carry water, something to store food … it’s very valuable for a family when they get it.”

He said if people are left with extra items after filling a box, those items can still be brought in to help make even more boxes.

Boxes are due in to Parkland Ambulance by Nov. 22 and once the boxes are filled they are sent to Calgary where they are shipped overseas.

Operation Christmas Child is asking for a donation of $5 to cover the shipping and handling costs, but it’s not needed.

For those looking to obtain a box, you can do so by calling Parkland Ambulance at 306-953-8358 or by stopping at their location on Second Avenue West during office hours.

You can also order boxes on Parkland Ambulance website.

Karasiuk said the boxes are even tax deductible.

He said anyone wanting to order a large amount of boxes can call Parkland Ambulance to give them time to arrange that.

swallace@panow.com

On Twitter: @sarahthesquid

by Sarah Wallace

Operation Christmas Child underway

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