‘Kids Only’ and ‘No Parents Allowed’ and ‘That Includes Grandparents’, all warning that what was behind those doors was for youngsters, and youngsters only.
So what was going on in such a clandestine manner?|
Why, some extremely important Christmas shopping, if you must know!
The WDM held their annual Kid’s Secret Shopping event this past weekend and according to education and public programs manager Karla Rasmussen, the whole show was once again a huge hit – and even featured a unique twist with some patrons.
“It’s been running at least the last 20 years, and we know this because we had people who came here as children and have grown up and now are bringing their own children,” Rasmussen said. “It’s this really cool inter-generational thing happening so we love to hear those stories like ‘oh, I used to come as a kid and I was so excited so I know my kids would love it’.”
The format is simple as it is unique. Youngsters are brought into the conference room, which features tables loaded with gifts ranging in price from $2 to $15. With the help of a volunteer guide, they choose presents for the people on their list, have them wrapped and bagged and head back to mom and dad.
“I think that’s the most rewarding thing, seeing the look on the children’s faces when they come out, they’re beaming with pride because they got to choose the presents for the people on their list,” Rasmussen said. “It’s phenomenal.”
Rose and Clark had a chance to talk to Santa Claus all the way from the North Pole during the Shortwave to Santa event.As much fun as it is for the kids, the many volunteers who take part also enjoy the festivities.
“We have some folks who love to wrap and bag and that’s their job, and some folks who really like to work with the kids themselves,” Rasmussen said. “Then we have a craft room this year and volunteers in there working with kids. It’s one of those things where we see volunteers coming back year after year because they enjoy helping the kids so much… This is probably the smoothest event we run and that’s because of all the volunteers and the work they put in to make this the best it can be.”
Shopping wasn’t the only thing on the agenda during the day.
Things kicked off with the Moose Jaw Girl Guides hosting their annual Breakfast with Mrs. Claus, with Santa’s better half making the journey south to take part in the fundraising event.
“Mrs. Claus was just darling this morning, she greeted everyone and had candy canes for the little ones, it was just terrific,” Rasmussen said.
Santa himself couldn’t let Mrs. Claus have all the fun, as he was sure to call in often from the North Pole and interact with youngsters during the Shortwave to Santa event put together by the Moose Jaw Radio Club.
“It’s just a lovely way to augment the whole event,” Rasmussen said. “They can write letters to Santa in our activity room, but seeing him and communicating in real time, that really very ‘now’. It’s fantastic and the kids just love it.”
