Every year, the Airdrie Lioness Club distributes an average of 350 Christmas Hampers to local families in need.

Normally at this time of year, the Club would be gearing up for its city-wide food drive and toy collections to fill all those hampers.

However, as Lisa Kennedy with the Airdrie Lioness Club explains, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on plans this year.

"Our warehouse that we usually use for the collection, sorting, and distribution is now being used for COVID testing," shes says, adding that even if they could relocate, COVID restrictions also posed a problem. "Alberta Health Services' guidelines and regulations were just so stringent that with all the different volunteers coming in, and touching products, it was just basically impossible to run the program as we normally would."

Kennedy adds that a lot of Lioness Club volunteers are seniors and keeping them safe is paramount. So they re-evaluated and came up with a gift card program for this year.

"We feel like there's definitely going to be financial stresses in the community where it's going to be useful this year, especially at Christmas time," says Kennedy. "There might even be new families that are experiencing tough times so we're still out there and wanting to help."

In lieu of food and toy donations, the Airdrie Lioness Club is asking instead for smaller denomination gift cards that can be easily distributed to families for things like grocery stores, toy stores, clothing stores, spas/salons, family activities, local services/artisans/home based businesses, hardware stores, movies, or fast food.

Kennedy says purchasing and donating gift cards is also a great way to support local businesses. The Lioness Club is asking that donations be made by December 1 so they can distribute them to families and give them enough time to shop for Christmas. Cash donations are also welcome. 

Anyone wishing to help can donate in the following ways:

  • Follow the link HERE to the ATB Cares donation portal and all donations will be matched with an additional 15% donation (while funds available)
  • Contact airdrielioness@gmail.com to arrange drop off of gift cards
  • Mail a cheque (Address is available HERE)
  • Etransfer to lionesstreasurer@outlook.com 

"We just want to thank everybody in Airdrie in advance for their help this year with the 2020 program. We know it's a little bit different," Kennedy says. "The Airdrie Lioness want to wish everyone a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season."

 

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com