Men pack bags with "Gifts for Guys" for the annual Christmas campaign. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Season of Giving

Two P.A. city councillors gathering gift bags for Christmas celebration

Dec 13, 2019 | 12:37 PM

While the focus at Christmas time may rightly be on children, two P.A. city councillors want to make sure grown-ups get gifts as well.

“The moms, fathers, uncles, grandmothers, grandfathers and aunties are sometimes not included in that process,” Coun. Evert Botha told paNOW. “Especially in households where finances are limited.”

For the past several years, Councillor Charlene Miller and Councillor Evert Botha have been collecting gift bags for men and women full of warm clothing, toiletries and sweets.

They’re currently seeking donations and volunteers. People interested are encouraged to get in touch with either councillor.

Miller packs her presents in purses and handbags. While Botha and volunteer Conrad Burns fill gym bags and backpacks.

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The gift bags are handed out during the annual Community Christmas Eve Celebration at Union Centre.

The event runs from 12-4 p.m. on Dec. 24. It’s open to all members of the community to have some cake and cookies, visit and grab a gift.

Tables are also filled with toques, scarves and other warm clothing for anyone who needs them.

Last year Botha estimates they collected around 150 gift bags for men and an equal amount for women.

“Whatever we can do as a community to make sure nobody goes without this Christmas,” he said. “Whether that’s dropping off non-perishable items at the food bank […] or donating towards our campaign […] it’s the time of year where everybody is in the spirit of giving and we know that the need is greater this year than it has been before.”

An image from last year’s Christmas celebration. (Submitted photo/Evert Botha)

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom