Click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.
The Prince Albert Optimist Club collected donations Wednesday at the Raiders game. (Twitter/Prince Albert Raiders)
Holiday Giving

Groups working to help those with less

Dec 12, 2019 | 12:55 PM

A Prince Albert group is working to make sure every kid has a gift under the tree this Christmas.

The Create a Smile Toy Drive is taking donations until Dec. 20. Organizer Clayton Daigneault said he was motivated to start the drive to give back and help take the stress off of parents who may not have much.

“I know what it likes not to have a lot of stuff,” he said.

People interested in contributing to the drive are encouraged to visit the Create a Smile Toy Drive’s Facebook page where they can find information. People can also make donations at the Spin Studio.

Since kicking off the effort, Daigneault said he has been surprised with the amount of support from the community. The effort has got a number of local businesses behind it also.

“Impact mechanical gave us a donation, we’ve got donations from Peavey Mart, Redhead,” he said.

After everything is collected, Daigneault will be working with the Bernice Sayese Centre to distribute the donations.

Meanwhile the P.A. Optimist Club’s annual Santa’s Anonymous Toy Drive went Wednesday night at the Raiders game.

Dave Markling, chair for the toy drive said the event was a success. The organization was able to bring over 600 toys and nearly $900 in donations.

“Thanks in great part to the Raiders and Wawanesa for stepping up and Prince Albert Firefighters Charity brought out their donation last night,” he said.

The items collected at the game will be given to The Salvation Army and they will distribute them. Markling said it is important to make sure everyone can enjoy the holiday season.

“There’s so many families in need that can’t afford it and the kids need to have a good Christmas as well,” he said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn