While Calgary is a city of plenty, there are still many families that go without. While giving throughout the year is always a good idea, the over sentimentality of the holiday season just makes you want to share your (relative) good fortune with others.
So just like last year, (and the year before) I sought out the help of the Calgary Immigrant Educational Society, to see if there was a student in need of our help.
I was directed to Agnes, a Ugandan immigrant, and single mother to four girls ages 4, 6, 8, and 10.
Their needs were sizeable, as was to be expected given the circumstances. But the wants were modest.
Four-year-old Monica wanted a doll, while eight-year-old Priscilla wanted a brown teddy bear—‘a girl one’. Ten-year-old Amy wanted a tea set, and six-year-old Isabella just wanted a toy.
Mom Agnes asked for nothing, as much as I tried to pry some kind of wish list item from her. I later found out from one of her teachers that she needed winter clothes.
So the call for help went out to colleagues, family and friends, who once again made me smile with their generosity and thoughtfulness. Not only were all wish list items taken care of and then some, all of the girls (and mom) were outfitted with brand new winter boots, jackets and snow pants. Clothes, toys, game systems, books, food, toiletries and dishes were amassed, as was $725 in cash and grocery store gift cards.
Going over to Agnes’s apartment to deliver Santa’s goodies tonight was once again a lesson in humility, and just how much happiness can be brought to an entire family when a few people pull together.
While the kids unloaded present after present under their tree (it was explained that Santa made an early stop because he was busier than usual this year), Agnes stood back and watched her girls. She turned to me, gave me a heartfelt hug, and thanked me for making her girls so happy.
I share that hug with my amazing circle of family, friends, and colleagues, who once again warmed my heart with their willingness to help. And I share it with anyone and everyone who knows the simple joy that comes with giving, and putting a smile on someone else’s face.
Merry Christmas to you all.