By Caitlin Brezinski

Holiday tradition sends gifts around the world

Nov 23, 2014 | 8:15 AM

Parkland Ambulance is once again spearheading Operation Christmas Child`s activities in Prince Albert.

Operation Christmas Child, connected to the humanitarian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to fill shoeboxes with different items to be sent to places in the developing world. 

Parkland Ambulance has been acting as a drop off location for all of Prince Albert and area.

“It’s just a wonderful experience for us to be a part of,” said Lyle Karasiuk with Parkland Ambulance. “It’s part of Christmas and it is a fun experience for us and we really enjoy being part of it and we enjoy having the public do it.”

Different churches, community organizations and schools from Prince Albert and area took part in donating. 

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As of Saturday morning, nearly 1,000 boxes were packed by members of Parkland Ambulance and their families.  Those boxes were ready to be sent to the STC bus depot which will be shipped to the Calgary Distribution Centre.  Karasiuk said they expect that number to go up by at least 200 by next week. 

“We’re overjoyed to be able to bring some of the spirit of Christmas out,” said Karasiuk. 

Karasiuk said it’s important to get families involved and educate children about a project such as this. 

“It shows them the true meaning of Christmas and it’s a great opportunity again for us to come together,” he said. 

He said Operation Christmas Child is one of Parkland Ambulance’s favourite projects to be a part of. 

“Our way as Parkland Ambulance contributing to those that are less fortunate and those people that can do with a little bit of extra something this holiday season,” he said.  We’re so gracious and so generous and so happy to be part of the community and do those exact things for the community,” he said.  

Karasiuk said people are still encouraged to drop off boxes up until Dec.1 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to be sent off to the Calgary Distribution Centre.   

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