The Christmas Bureau of Edmonton offers a one-stop application process for three Christmas services that it provides—a festive meal, the Adopt-a-Teen program, and gifts for children, from babies to 12 years of age, through the "Santas Anonymous" program.

Darlene Kowalchuk is the executive director of the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton. She says the program is geared towards low-income families, but consideration also depends on the family’s individual circumstances to qualify for services.

Kowalchuk says it’s important for families to share a meal at Christmas. She remembers one client specifically.

“One has really kind of stuck out with me, where one father said that, ‘you know, people just think of it as one meal, but without the Christmas Bureau’s help, it would have meant that Christmas Eve dinner would have been macaroni and cheese for my family.’ And instead he had the turkey dinner and he was able to have a full meal with his family. So a nutritious meal.”

The deadline for applications closes on Nov. 26. For Information to apply for services, to volunteer or provide donations visit the Christmas Bureau website.

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