Keep an eye out for boots at main intersections this weekend.
First Responders will be out in force Dec. 5 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to collect loose change and bills for the Elves Club Sunshine Coast annual holiday fundraiser Crash the Coast.
Volunteers will be stationed at main intersections in Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt and beyond, Elves Club treasurer Aliese Mackenzie told Coast Reporter.
Last year, the fundraiser brought in $26,000, according to Gibsons Coun. David Croal, also a first responder, who encouraged residents during a Dec. 1 council meeting to hit the ATMs early “so when you get caught you can be generous.”
“This year I can only anticipate that the need is greater,” he said.
And since more people are opting to pay with plastic to avoid handling cash during the pandemic, Mackenzie said they’ll be reminding drivers they can donate through the Elves Club website.
Because of COVID-19 the annual Elves Club telethon, which is typically held the same day as the boot drive, will air a week later on Dec. 12 to give volunteers enough time to count money separately. The annual telethon will be hosted by Eastlink Community TV, with pre-recorded acts as volunteers accept calls for donations and provide updates on amounts raised. One upshot is that groups that don’t normally participate will be in the lineup, including Sunshine Coast Skating Club performances.
People will still be able to call 604-741-7451 and pledge donations or they can donate online through the Elves Club website.
Distribution of the donated funds will also be different.
About 500 families and individuals benefit from the program by receiving gift cards from businesses. To avoid processing applications and then collecting the cards in person, gift cards will be redistributed to service providers who will hand them out to members and clients.
“In doing so, we really felt we were reaching the really needy on the Sunshine Coast in a safe manner,” said Mackenzie.
She also acknowledged the Elves Club team has been working harder this year to deal with the logistical challenges.
“We’re just riding the wave at the moment, trying to do the best we can,” she said. “During these difficult times it’s definitely worth it.”
