Silent Santas got most of what they asked for from Bowden town council.
In a letter to town council, Silent Santas co-chairperson Shannon Webb asked for $1,000, double the town's $500 contribution provided last year.
Councillors debated the matter but in the end compromised, opting to provide the group with $750.
Silent Santas provides gifts to needy families.
Children from newborns to the age of 10 receive gifts up to $30 in value. Kids 10 and over get a $30 gift card. Wrapped toys are also provided. In addition Silent Santas also provides needy families with a turkey hamper with vegetables, etc., and up to two weeks of food in the hamper.
“While any amount would be appreciated, we find ourselves with extra need for funds this year and respectfully ask you to consider a $1,000 contribution in order that the program can continue to generously provide hampers for those in need,” Webb's letter said.
She noted that last year, Silent Santas provided hampers and gifts to 32 needy families.
The group distributed its hampers and gifts this past Saturday with help from local church groups and volunteers.
Town chief administrative officer Andy Weiss pointed out the town has traditionally given the group $500.
Mayor Robb Stuart conceded that but also observed the town has a surplus of $300,000 going into reserves. However, he also noted that's money “we're going to need” as the town hammers out its budget and tries to avoid a tax increase.
Weiss pointed out that $300,000 surplus is over several years.
“Last year I think we had $40,000,” he said.
Webb told the Albertan she's happy with the $750. She understands how tight money is for the town.
Webb has been serving in Silent Santas for four years. Together, she and co-chair Jessica Cardwell raise money through bake sales, craft sales, etc.
She estimates it costs between $7, 000 and $8,500 each year to buy enough food and toys for the program. She anticipates it will cost more this year because the population – therefore the population of needy people in the area – continues to expand.
The Albertan asked Webb what motivated her to become a Silent Santa.
“I was the recipient of a hamper four years ago when my daughter and I moved to town and I wasn't expecting one,” she said.
“I sat on the floor and I cried for about two hours. I told my boyfriend at the time who is now my husband, ‘I don't need this. There's a family out there that needs this more than I do.'
“He told me, ‘honey, one day you will pay it forward,' and now I'm paying it forward.”
