Staff from the Northern Lights Casino arrived with gifts and smiles. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community support

Santa’s elves arrive at Prince Albert Women’s Shelter

Dec 14, 2024 | 8:00 AM

Some of Santa’s elves showed up Friday at the Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women.

Over a dozen wrapped and brightly coloured packages were unloaded not from a sleigh, but rather from a Northern Lights Casino vehicle. Sherry Bates, Executive Director of the shelter, told paNOW that the donation is greatly appreciated.

“Donations like this mean the absolute world to us as we’re not funded for any extracurricular things and that includes Christmas, so these presents are heartwarming. They bring such joy to the women and children that have to stay at our shelter,” she said.

The shelter is currently at full capacity meaning there are 26 women and children who will spend their Christmas there – many fleeing from domestic violence situations.

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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Casino and shelter staff pose for a picture. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Bates acknowledged Christmas is a tougher time of the year at the shelter, but added staff go above and beyond to make sure their guests are as comfortable as possible.

“You know there’s gifts and stockings to open, a Christmas tree, and a great meal is served. They also have input into what that’s going to look like too, depending on how they celebrate and what their traditions are too,” she explained.

Denzel Smith is the acting general manager of Northern Lights Casino and confirmed the donated gifts were all purchased by staff members.

“You know, SIGA being a nonprofit organization, being able to give back, and to be a part of the community and just ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy Christmas and a holiday and be a part of that spirit for everyone means a lot,” he said.

St. Anne student Ahri McNabb came up with a great idea to help the shelter. (Submitted photo)

Earlier this week, students at St. Anne School also made a special donation to the shelter.

Madame Tournier’s Grade 3 class came up with the idea to do chores at home for pay to raise funds to purchase gifts for the children who will be at the Shelter for Christmas. The theme was “giving” back and that was the inspiration for the donation.

“The Grade 3 class took this project so seriously and were so proud of what they accomplished. We gave them all a sweet treat as a token of our appreciation, so heartwarming to see the genuine love shining in their eyes, adorable,” Bates said.

Anyone wishing to donate to the women’s shelter can do so 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it’s preferred preferred call in advance to make an appointment at (306) 764-7233.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell