November 15, 2023
Left to right: Michelle Gallucci, Director of Advancement & Communications at Lethbridge Family Services, Sandra Mintz, Chief Executive Officer at Lethbridge Family Services, and Ron Tyslau, Avonlea Homes Customer Experience Manager.
The 31st annual Angel Tree Christmas Campaign officially launched on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 with our new Presenting sponsor,
Avonlea Homes. An event with media representatives and special guests was held at the beautiful Avonlea Homes show home in Southbrook, Lethbridge.
The Angel Tree Toy Depot is buzzing with energy and spirited laughter while our committee members carefully assemble gift bundles from the wish lists of children in our community. It’s hard work, and brings back memories of childhood dreams; it’s emotional, and pulls at your heart strings every single day.
800 gift bundles are complete. 3,000 more to go. The task is enormous.
Karen Nemeth, this year’s Campaign Co-Chair says, “A truly charitable heart recognizes the connectedness of all humanity, and understands that we all matter to each other, regardless of how our lives are different. It’s heartwarming to watch as our southern Alberta community comes together with donations and funding to bless the lives of our children. Thank you to everyone who continues their generous support.”
Avonlea Homes very generously provided a cheque to the Angel Tree campaign for the unprecedented amount of $19,700, with the support of their industry partners.
Avonlea Homes has increased their generosity to Angel Tree every year, starting with 50 toys donated in 2019, 256 toys in 2020, 456 toys in 2021, and 625 toys last year. This year as a presenting sponsor, Avonlea is providing a sizeable monetary donation and 880 donated toys.
Only with community support and the spirit of generosity and kindheartedness can Angel Tree, quite literally, make miracles happen. We will need a lot of help this year. We estimate the numbers of babies, children, and youth to reach 3,800.
Each gift bundle is carefully packed for every child with:
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Something on their wish list
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Something inspirational to fuel their imaginations
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Something educational to nourish their minds
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Something warm, cuddly, and soft
When we incorporate giving into hearts and minds, we collectively make our community a better place. And what better way to start that positive kind of thinking than with our children.
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