In partnership with Heritage Insurance, Moose Jaw Families for Change (MJFFC) is looking forward to lending a hand — both figuratively and literally — during its annual Christmas for a Cause gift wrapping campaign this month.
Volunteers will be picking up the tape and bows every Saturday in December beginning Dec. 5 to offer a gift-wrapping service in the Town 'n’ Country Mall, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The gift-wrapping station will be set up near Santa’s Wonderland in the mall, where people will be able to drop off their holiday gifts to be expertly wrapped while they wait or continue their shopping in the mall.
There will also be a second drop-and-go option at Heritage Insurance on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., where people can drop off their gifts and receive a text or phone call when they are wrapped and ready.
Volunteers will be following all safety measures including practising proper distancing, wearing masks and regular hand sanitation.
Not only is the gift-wrapping station convenient, said MJFFC community co-ordinator Katie Bookout, but there is also the added bonus of supporting a local charity project.
The service is offered by donation, just like in past years, with all of the funds raised going directly to supporting this year’s charity of choice: the Moose Jaw International Medical Mission.
“We came to the collective agreement that the folks involved in the Moose Jaw International Medical Mission are not only folks who are healthcare providers here in Moose Jaw, helping us stay safe and healthy, but they also provide healthcare services to communities overseas,” said Bookout. “And given the circumstances in our community and the world, we felt that they were definitely a worthy organization to receive our donation this year.”
Christmas for a Cause is a relatively new project, returning for the third year in a row, but Bookout is hoping that the community will once again step up and help raise some funds for another charitable cause.
“Each year has been a little bit more successful, and we’re hoping that even though this year looks a little different, we’ll see some support so that we can support the International Medical Mission,” said Bookout.
Bookout encourages those looking for more information to visit the Christmas for a Cause Facebook event listing, and those interested in helping out but not wanting to venture outside to share the campaign’s details where they can.
