As part of their annual fundraising event, the Lac La Biche Fire Department hosted a special guest on Saturday as Santa made his way through town to spend time with waiting children.
The fundraiser was to help out the Fire Department’s annual Santa’s Helpers Christmas campaign.
The local brigade raised $7,388.76 in a matter of hours on the day, according to fire fighter Kirsten Walsh.
“We are really happy,” Walsh said.
Local businesses also contributed to the campaign and a telethon the day before the fundraiser, hosted by the local radio station, raised more than $11,000.
Saturday’s downtown fundraiser saw fire fighters collecting donations from motorists on Main Street, happily filling their upturned helmets with coins and notes from drivers stopped in traffic. In addition, firefighters provided free hot dogs and hot chocolate for anyone who came out to the event.
The money raised will go to purchasing food for the Christmas hampers for families in need in the Lac La Biche area.
Last year, the charity event was able to help about 75 families. Santa’s Helpers also gives toys for children to the families receiving hampers and is asking the public to donate new gifts towards the cause. There are many drop boxes throughout the community including Home Hardware and Value Drug Store, amongst many others. The boxes will remain in the businesses until about Dec. 20, according to Fire Lieutenant Brad Bow.