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those little tiny acts , that actually have a huge impact on the life of an individual . It ’ s a memory that ’ s created , and that ’ s invaluable .”
Time and time again , when Michelle Gallucci is out in the community picking up gifts for Lethbridge Family Services ’ Angel Tree for Kids campaign , she hears stories of volunteers who were once recipients of the campaign , now giving back .
“ I say to myself , ‘ This is coming full circle . This is a gift of love . This is amazing .’”
As the Director of Advancement and Community Relations at Lethbridge Family Services , Michelle says that 24 years ago , the Angel Tree for Kids campaign began with less than a handful of Christmas hampers for families who needed a hand up , the idea being that no child should go without a gift at Christmas .
“ What we found last year is the community feels the same way we do , and why should we allow that to happen ? A child should not go without a gift at Christmas . The community responded to the needs : our needs [ as an organization ], and the needs and desires of the children .”
Serving children newborn-18 through over 57 agencies in Lethbridge and area , the Angel Tree for Kids campaign is made possible through the help of 241 volunteers , 542 volunteer hours , and the participation of 80 businesses in Lethbridge , collecting presents for youth represented by a paper angel denoting age , gender , and suggested gifts .
These acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the life of a child . Jennifer says at one out of five children , Lethbridge has one of the highest rates of child poverty in Canada . In 2016 the Angel Tree campaign helped a record number of 2,127 youth .
She finds healthy people create a healthy and strong community , and sees the hope more so here than in other communities she has worked and lived in . With fondness she recalls receiving an amazing gift from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre under the mentorship of a carpenter . Through a therapeutic program , wooden toys , bookshelves , and treasure chests were hand-crafted and hand-delivered for the campaign .
“ Every time we do something that is miraculous , then that message is carried forward . Miracles only happen , in my belief , through people ,” explains Michell . “ So , if you want to build a strong and healthy community , an inclusive community , a diverse community , and build on the cultural mosaic which is happening in Lethbridge right now , then we have to give back , we have to act kind ,” Michelle enthuses .
With campaigns intertwined in the tradition of giving , perhaps traditions rooted in symbolism also have their place . Christmas trees symbolize life , and another cherished
SEPTEMBER 30 TO NOVEMBER 26 , 2017
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