Angel Tree 2026 Officially Launches Courtesy of Avonlea Homes

Nov 12

Ron Tyslau of Avonlea Homes presents Lindsay Prete, Angel Tree Coordinator, with a record-breaking cheque for **$53,875** in support of Angel Tree 2026.

On November 12, LFS officially launched the 34th annual Angel Tree Christmas Campaign alongside Avonlea Homes, who is celebrating their 4th year as Presenting Sponsor. Ron Tyslau from Avonlea Homes, who leads the company’s efforts, announced their donations total at the press event at the Avonlea Homes Blackwolf Show Home located at 331 Blackwolf Blvd North, in Lethbridge.

Avonlea Homes, alongside its trades, contractors, and vendors, raised a colossal $53,875 for Angel Tree toys and gifts, once again surpassing their record number from the previous year. This represents a third of the total cost of the campaign, and it immensely helps Angel Tree bring Christmas magic to every child in the Lethbridge area.

Wendy Herbers, the 2026 Angel Tree Campaign Chair, explains that, for some families, Christmas looks very different from the traditions and memories we take for granted: “For some parents, the holiday season brings difficult choices. Choices between paying rent and buying gifts. Between paying utility bills and putting a special meal on the table. Many families are working incredibly hard to make ends meet, and the added pressure of the holidays can feel overwhelming. That’s why Angel Tree matters.”

Additionally, Simon Restrepo, a local business owner, spoke about being an Angel Tree recipient as a child. When his family first arrived in Canada, Angel Tree helped them while they were getting settled in Lethbridge. He explains, “Today, being able to support Angel Tree is incredibly meaningful to me. It's a full-circle moment. I was once a child who benefited from the kindness of community, and now I have the opportunity to help create that same joy for other children and families.”

Last year, Angel Tree provided gift bundles to 3,335 children, and we anticipate about the same number this year. That number represents children who will wake up on Christmas morning excited to see gifts under the tree, and parents who will feel relief knowing their children will experience the same holiday magic as any other child. Behind every angel is a child, and behind every child is a story, fueled by hope, kindness, and community.

Each gift bundle is carefully packed for every child with:

Something on their wish list
Something inspirational to fuel their imaginations (Lego, Play-Doh, art and crafts)
Something educational to nourish their minds (Science kits, Word games, books)
Something warm, cuddly, and soft (toques, mitts, scarves, blankets, stuffies)

Avonlea Homes trade partners include Advantage Roofing, Adora Kitchens, Quality Glass & Aluminum Ltd., Bakers Appliances, Sherwin-Williams, Bridgecity Basements, Builder's Channel, Burnco, Camco Fencing & Lawns, Chaperal Construction, Dennis' Dirtworx, Design Lighting & Home Decor, Fleming Finishing, Gas King, Granite Plus, Hang Ups Closet Company, KDH Painting, Hogeweide Consulting, Huckvale LLP, Kirk's Trail Tire, LA Building Supplies, L.A. Earthworks, Lealta Building Supplies, Lethbridge Door Systems, Litterbug Waste Disposal, Logic Lumber, Omega Flooring, Structural Truss, The Kitchen Centre, Trilogy Real Estate Group, Windy City Cleaning Solutions.

Angel Tree relies on the strength of our community and the generosity of compassionate hearts to create real miracles for those in need. Help is more crucial than ever, and together, we can make a lasting difference. As of mid-November, about 800 gift bundles are complete, with over 2,000 more to go. The Angel Tree Toy Depot is buzzing with energy while our gift bundlers carefully and diligently assemble gift bundles from the wish lists of children in our community.

To donate, please visit our Angel Tree donation page, and to volunteer, please see our volunteer sign-up schedule.

Official Angel Tree launch on November 12, 2026, at the Avonlea Homes Black Wolf Show Home.

Wendy Herbers, the 2026 Angel Tree Campaign Chair.

Simon Restrepo, local business owner, spoke about being an Angel Tree recipient as a child.

Lethbridge Family Services provides highly-accredited health and social services to over 9,000 individuals and families in more than 30 communities in southwestern Alberta, through the professional services of more than 380 staff, and the support of over 550 committed volunteers. LFS's vision is a connected and inclusive community where people thrive.