Calgary firefighters teamed up with Santa yesterday to hand out presents to nearly 2,000 families.
The local families were treated to lunch, entertainment, a few minutes with Santa and, of course, a present from the Calgary Fire Department Toy Association.
“These families have all been identified by the Salvation Army and the public and the private school board as being families who are entitled to having a special Christmas this year,” said spokesperson for the fire department Brian McAsey. “This year we have the greatest need ever — 4,500 kids are going to be receiving gifts.”
While Emma Ghiultu, 8, asked Santa for “a real dog” for Christmas, she said she was excited to open the present she received from him.
“It’s very important for her to get the spirit of Christmas and to talk to Santa,” said her mom Violeta.
Joanne Goodeagle said her three kids loved seeing Santa.
“It meant a lot to me because we need a lot of help with funding and all that stuff and just for them to get a gift and see Santa was really good.”
