It was another very successful fundraising campaign in support of two of Ponoka’s important holiday charities.
The annual Charity Check Stop, organized by the Ponoka Fire Department (PFD), ran Nov. 23 raising a total of $4,060. The money was split equally between the Ponoka Food Bank and Santa’s Anonymous.
The check stop, which was held on Highway 2A saw members of the PFD join with Ponoka RCMP, Ponoka Citizens on Patrol and the Ponoka Victim Services in collecting donations from passing motorists.
“The PFD would like to thank the RCMP, Citizens on Patrol, Ponoka Victim Services, members of the Ponoka Fire Department for raising this amount in this years Holiday Charity Checkstop,” said PFD Fire Chief Jamie Wilkinson.
“Each charity will receive $2,030 to help stock shelves and stockings this holiday season. We would also like to extend a special thanks to Tim Hortons for the coffee and hot chocolate and to Boston Pizza for the special delivery of pizza for everyone participating in the event.”
Wilkinson added, “We would also like to extend a big thank you to everyone who donated this year, without your generosity this event would not be possible.”
Karen David from Ponoka Secondary Campus — and the teacher advisor responsible for helping the students operating Santa’s Anonymous — couldn’t have been more pleased with the large donation.
“Receiving the donation was a pleasant surprise,” she said.
“Last year, our numbers had increased and our donations were down, so the money from the Charity Check Stop really helped us out in a huge way. We were very grateful for the extra dollars. We wish to thank everyone who donated.”
Meanwhile, Santa’s Anonymous is still putting together a list of names for food hampers, so if readers know of a family or someone in need, please contact the school by calling 403-783-4411.
