Pictured above: (Left) Wabasca Northern store staff. (Right) Community members and firefighters spreading the word about the toy drive

This Christmas, children in Wabasca, AB, will happily unwrap presents, thanks in part to generous organizations within the community. 

The Lions Club Wabasca holds their annual Santas Anonymous toy drive in which cash, food and gifts are collected from organizations and donated to the community. As part of this yearly tradition, community members and organizations donate supplies and then collectively wrap presents in the local fire station.

This year, despite worldwide circumstances, the community stayed resilient – still coming together to donate generously, all while practicing COVID-19 safety precautions.

Organizations including Wabasca Northen store, Home Hardware, Bigstone Fire Department, Wabasca Fire Department, Eric Auger & Sons and Chindian joined forces to donate over 400 toys, smashing last year’s record.

Pictured above: Toys donated for children in Wabasca

Wabasca Northern Store Manager Rob McKinley was happy to be part of this initiative and embrace a collaborative spirit.  

“It was great to donate and take part in the annual toy drive. It’s also great to see how the whole community pulls together to make this a success each and every year,” said McKinley.

Lions Club Wabasca is part of Lions Clubs International, which serves to empower volunteers to support their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through their various member clubs around the world.