UNITY — The thought of families going without a traditional Christmas that includes wrapped presents under the tree is what inspired a community initiative in Unity that has spanned more than three decades.
Formerly run by church groups, then the Kinette Club, then a group of community minded individuals, Unity’s Secret Santa program is now looked after by Bricin Financial. The business has been spearheading the campaign since 2019.
The campaign collects new clothing and toys for families who are in need. Financial donations received are used towards purchasing any additional items that may be needed that didn’t come in from donation bins for the families submitted to receive a hamper.
The team at Bricin Financial will begin the community Christmas campaign, starting Nov. 14. Residents can drop off donations at locations that include Red Apple, Unity AG Foods, Delta Co-op Marketplace and Unity Community Resource Centre. Financial contributions can be made in person at the Bricin office on Third Avenue West or via etransfer by sending to Brittany.bricin@sasktel.net, but be sure to include a mailing address to receive a tax receipt.
Community members always play a big role in contributing to this initiative. Already, two young girls held a pumpkin sale with proceeds earmarked for Secret Santa raising $220. Stand Out Dance Collective is having a fundraiser selling Christmas ornaments with $5 from each sale going towards Secret Santa. Flourish Studios have also recently announced a dance event benefitting a number of community ventures including Secret Santa. Program organizers know there will be others once the campaign officially begins.
Red Apple will wrap up the campaign with their annual Fill the Sleigh Day being held Dec. 3. The business offers 10 per cent off all purchases that day that are donated to Secret Santa. Block Parent program will also be hosting a bake sale and a special raffle, with all events beginning after noon that day.
Nominations can be phoned into the Bricin office at 306-228-4288. Requirements are families living in Unity and surrounding area and must have children either attending school in Unity or too young for school.
“If you are needing help this Christmas, please nominate your own family,” says Brittany at Bricin. “Our motto has always been Christmas is for the children. Our main purpose is to be able to help families who need a little extra help this Christmas season. We always ask the parent(s) what the kids like for activities such as reading or crafts and what toys they like. We try to the best of our abilities to provide kids with things that match. We will be putting out shopping/wish lists of what we are looking for this year,”
The Bricin team no longer enlists the help of volunteers aiming to keep the operation as confidential as possible.
Family nomination deadline is before Dec. 2 with the Red Apple event being the last big push for donations before the team assembles, prepares and delivers gifts. Delivery is arranged with each family nominated sometime in mid-December.
One can’t underestimate the commitment and dedication of the Bricin team in enacting this annual seasonal charitable activity. Right from setting up collection depots to managing pickups and donations as well as shopping for additional items that still might be needed along with delivery of packages, it is another project that demonstrates Christmas and community spirit and the power of volunteers in town.
