The Jasper Community Team Society and Santas Anonymous organizers are working hard to ensure community members have the opportunity to gather over the holidays—no matter where they are.
“There are elves working in Calgary, Edmonton, Hinton and the Bow Valley to connect with Jasperites who’ve been displaced,” said Julie Des Becquets, Santa’s Anonymous Program Coordinator for the Jasper Community Team Society.
Many Jasperites are living in different communities while their homes are rebuilt, or Jasper job prospects improve. The JCTS recognizes those folks need an extra sprinkling of joy this time of year, Des Becquets said.
“The holidays are a time for joy, but we know they can also bring extra challenges—especially after the year Jasperites have had,” she said.
Together with the JCT and partnering communities, Santas Anonymous organizers are planning events afar and doing their best to ensure no one misses out on the holiday spirit.
“If you or someone you know could use a little extra holiday cheer, we’d love to help fill their season with warmth and wonder,” Des Becquets said.
Jasperites living in Calgary, Hinton, the Bow Valley (Canmore or Banff) or Edmonton can connect with Community Outreach Services at the respective emails: calgary@sajasper.ca, hinton@sajasper.ca, bowvalley@sajasper.ca and edmonton@sajasper.ca
Displaced Jasperites living anywhere else can email admin@sajasper.ca
And if those folks want to make their way to Jasper to take part in holiday events here, Des Becquets said they can get their transportation costs covered.
Santas Anonymous Mitten Lines are also a sure sign that Christmas is around the corner.
Santas Anonymous is a program to help spread the joy of the holiday season. Administered through Community Outreach Services, the program collects donations for families and individuals to make their holiday season a little brighter.
“It’s is a way for those who would otherwise go without, to receive a gift,” Des Becquets said.
The deadline to apply for Santas Anonymous support is December 11. Jasperites should contact Community Outreach Services at (780) 852-2100 to apply.
“What’s so strong about Jasper is the community, so we want to give people that opportunity to connect,” she said.
Those who would like to help boost the Jasper Community Team’s ability to help over the holidays can make a donation via the JCT’s website or by finding the Santas Anonymous Mitten Lines at the Jasper Activity Centre, the Jasper Municipal Library, or at Andromeda Café.
