Approximately $54,270 was raised by the Sunshine Coast Secret Santa group for the 2019 holiday season, making it a record-breaking year for the charity.
The amount is nearly double what was raised last season, when the group raised about $30,520. Secret Santa has been running since 2011.
“We have such an amazing community,” organizer Zoe Barbaro told Coast Reporter.
The group receives donations from businesses and individuals, many of whom remain anonymous, to provide gifts, groceries and other items to support families in need during the holidays.
This year, 38 families were provided for, as well as both shelters in Sechelt and Gibsons. Funds also are used to support families requiring assistance to cover basic needs such as food and shelter, according to the group’s Facebook Page.
“Christmas is about giving and our goal was to help reach those in our community who have faced or are facing hardships and lift them up with support,” said Barbaro via social media. “Thank you Sunshine Coast for your amazing and continued support.”
A similar program, called the Elves Club, raised approximately $30,700 this year through its annual telethon and Crash the Coast boot drive.
