On the 12th day before Christmas, St. Albert gave to itself the gift of kindness.
The St. Albert Gazette’s 12 Days of Christmas Kindness wrapped up on Christmas Eve with a dozen deserving local recipients receiving surprise Christmas gifts, all provided by generous St. Albert businesses.
In October, the Gazette put out the call for readers to nominate people that do wonderful things in our community for their families, for their neighbours and for local groups.
"We got some amazing nominations – it was really hard to get them down to 12!" said Gazette publisher Tim Shoults.
The Gazette then reached out to our local businesses to find the perfect gift for our recipients.
"Our local business community was incredibly generous, giving us more than $5,000 worth of gifts to give to our nominees," said Shoults.
"Then came the fun part – knocking on people’s doors to surprise them with their gifts."
The videos, which were shot in the first two weeks of December, resulted in many memorable moments.
"It went even better than we had hoped," said Shoults. "Our nominators really came up with some deserving people, and our recipients were really surprised to be recognized.
"There were lots of hugs, a few tears, and one very large, very excited dog."
The program is inspired by Soo Today, a community media company in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, who has been giving away Christmas gifts to deserving individuals, couples and families for more than 12 years.
"It's an incredible program, and we're thrilled to have been able to bring it to St. Albert this year," said Shoults.
The videos are available at the St. Albert Gazette website at www.stalbertgazette.com by clicking on the "Features" menu and selecting "12 Days of Christmas Kindness". The videos are airing on repeat starting with Day 1 on Christmas Day running through Jan. 6.
Local advertisers who provided gifts to recipients included: Riverside Co-op, Costco St. Albert, Divine & Free, Clearwater Car Wash, Sorrentinos, Argos, Buco, IdeaLabs, Swiss Chalet, Rose & Onyx, Cloud Nine, Seasons Gift Shop, St. Albert Centre, Phoenix TaekonDo, KDM Property Management, Allan Welsh & Company, Cattail Crossing and Studio 107 Hair Salon.
“What an amazing trip it’s been!” said Shoults. “We’ve had hugs, tears, and so much happiness to celebrate and share.
“Thanks to all those who nominated these wonderful people to recognize, thanks to our amazing sponsors for coming up with such wonderful presents, and thanks to our recipients for being terrific people and for going along with us on this journey.
“Thanks to all who watched, and all the best to you and yours this Christmas season, from all of us at the St. Albert Gazette!”
