The time is here to select your ‘elf’ tag from one of the trees in the nine locations
throughout Nanoose Bay that is part of the Nanoose Community Services (NCS)
Christmas ‘Elf’ program.
Many people in our community have made donating a fun and ‘family’ affair. For
example, local resident Judy Karlson and her three grandchildren have been getting
together every year with gifts the kids purchased and boxing them for delivery to NCS
elves.
“I do it because it’s our job as elders to keep teaching”, she says. She wants it to be
very hands-on for the kids, who do the shopping.
Another grandmother, Diane Springford of Springford Farm Market, gets her
grandchildren together to attach tags to one of the ‘elf’ trees that is placed in their
market shop, one of the nine locations where people can select tags.
Chief Elf, Maureen Moore, says the program has helped over 200 local people in need
in past years and that Nanoose Bay donors are generous and caring when it comes to
helping their neighbours.
“We’ve received and wrapped everything from toys for children to clothing or household
items for adults, including seniors”, she said, adding that QF gift cards may also be
requested.
Donors who want to do more than offer a single gift have sponsored seniors or whole
families, she added. They purchase gifts specifically requested by NCS clients, wrap
them and provide the who package to NCS for distribution to “their” family or individual.
Anyone wanting to sponsor a family or individual can contact Maureen at (250) 468-
5554.
Photo: Judy Karlson with her three grandchildren