There were lots of deals for children aged six and up at the Athabasca Native Friendship Centre Nov. 23 as they held their annual Kids Wrap event.
The event allows the children to pick up to six gifts for their family at a cheaper cost than they would at the retail store and gives them an opportunity for them to make their choice without their parents being around.
Laureen Houle, the executive director at the Friendship Centre, has been one of the lead organizers for the past eight years.
"Instead of mom and dad picking their own gift from the child, they instead get help from one of our helpers," Houle said. "They fill out what they are looking for on a sheet of paper, along with the maximum price they are willing to pay. When they are called downstairs, they look for the gifts they need without exceeding the amount listed, a process that usually takes about 15 minutes. Some spent as little as $1.75, while others spent up to $20."
She added that the centre plans for the event all year.
"We collect and save items throughout the year," Houle continued. "Some of the presents we have includes mugs, tools, rings, jewelry, toys and a wide variety of items. They are not all brand-new items, but they are gently-used gifts mom, dad, brother, sister, as well as grandma or grandpa."
Houle said they like to keep the gifts as small as possible.
"That way they are easier for the kids to wrap afterward," she explained. "After they pick their gifts, volunteers help them wrap up their gifts, either with gift bags or gift wrap."
One of the volunteers, Brielle LeSage, is in Grade 10 at Edwin Parr Composite School. She participated in the event as part of her community projects class.
"This is my first time volunteering here, and I think it's really nice they are doing this," LeSage said. "There is lots of items to choose from, and it's all going to a good cause."
Eight-year-old Colton Langevin said he really enjoyed finding presents for all his loved ones for his second year participating in the event.
"I found something for my mom, dad, and my brothers," he said. "I hope they like the presents I chose for them."
His brother, 10-year-old Kaiden Langevin, has taken part for the last five years.
"I still really enjoy it," Langevin said. "I usually purchase cars and hockey items for my brothers. It saves me time to go and look at a number of stores every year."
Sadie Lowe brought her two eldest children to the event for the first time this year.
"It really saves a lot of time, being a mother of four kids," Lowe said. "I haven't seen what gifts are available downstairs, so I guess it will be a surprise when I see it. I really applaud the Athabasca Native Friendship Centre for putting this on, and I hope they put this on for many more years to come."
Houle said they would never be able to run this event without all the volunteers involved.
"It's a lot of work throughout the event, and we are very busy throughout the day," she continued. "Any money we do make off of it goes back into the Friendship Centre, and in turn all the programs that we run out of here."
The centre also sold raffle tickets for 50 cents each, with the main prize of a basket full of family games, a 24-day chocolate calendar, candy, cookies and other goodies. Other prizes included a popcorn package, a set of headphones and other toys. The draw was held Nov. 23 and winners can pick up their prizes Nov. 25.
