In times of need, nothing speaks louder than compassionate action, especially when community organizations come together with the shared purpose of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
This holiday season, that spirit of caring is shining brightly as Wellspring Alberta proudly lends its support to the Calgary Firefighters Toy Association for its annual toy drive, a long-standing initiative that brings joy and comfort to children during the holidays.
For more than 80 years, the Calgary Firefighters Toy Association, a member-led volunteer organization, has championed this initiative, collecting toys and funds to support families in need. Since 1967, the association has been hosting an annual Children’s Christmas Party for families, creating moments of joy, and distributing the gifts and funds donated by generous Calgarians.
For Wellspring, whose mission centers around compassion, connection, and support, participating in the toy drive is a natural fit. With toy donation boxes in place at Wellspring’s Calgary locations until December 19, staff, volunteers, and members are invited to give in a meaningful way. A simple gesture that can make a child’s holiday brighter. Unwrapped gifts can also be dropped off at any fire station in the city and at Chinook Centre on the upper floor across from Anthropologie.
“As a community organization, we see firsthand how powerful it is when people join forces to strengthen the web of care surrounding those in need,” said Wellspring Alberta CEO, Joanne Aime. “We are especially pleased to support this initiative led by firefighters, as we share a cherished history of collaborating with the Calgary Fire Department to raise awareness and support for firefighters and all citizens living with cancer.”
Wellspring Alberta and Calgary Fire Department firefighters have long been connected by the dedication and camaraderie of Wellspring’s annual Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge. Founded in 2015 by Kathy Blas, the sister of a fallen Calgary firefighter, the event draws hundreds of firefighters from around the world who take on the challenge of climbing Calgary’s tallest building — 57 stories – to raise awareness of cancer and vital funds for Wellspring’s programs.
That history of support helps explain why firefighter Kevin Davis came up with the idea of connecting Wellspring with the toy drive a few years ago. A committed participant in nearly every Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge, Kevin understands the impact of uniting hearts to serve a community.
“Firefighters are proud to support Wellspring at the stairclimb, and during one of those events, I thought, why not invite Wellspring staff and members to take part in something that’s especially meaningful to us? Wellspring loved the idea and came on board,” said Davis, adding, “We are very grateful to Wellspring and to all our trusted charitable outreach partners, who will help brighten the holidays for the more than 1,500 families who are invited to attend this year’s Christmas party.”
These partnerships remind us that when organizations work together, the reach is greater and the impact deeper. Whether through a toy placed in a donation box or firefighters climbing hundreds of steps in support of those living with cancer, collective action has the power to uplift and strengthen an entire community.