With just 18 days left until Christmas, the Portage la Prairie Friendship Centre is trying to ensure no child will go giftless this year.

Career Consultant at the centre, Jeanna Emms, explains that Santa will be handing out gifts on behalf of the centre on Wednesday, December 7th.

She says this will be their Christmas Gift Giveaway for 2022 and will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for pre-registered families.

"It's been a very difficult couple of years for everyone," says Emms. "With the economy and the state it's in, and gas going up, and groceries growing going up, we're trying to make it a little bit easier for parents. We can provide their kids with just even one additional gift."

Emms adds that the south side door of their building will be the entrance, and you cannot miss them.

"All of us will be dressed in our elf costumes to assist Santa so he's not left on his own."

The Friendship Centre employee for the last ten years says that before COVID, they would have an annual Children's Christmas Party. However, since then, they have transitioned to this giveaway to air on the side of caution.

"We've decided again this year to go with the toy gift giveaway, limiting contact between families," continues Emms. "We don't want to get anybody sick for the holidays. So, we took the money we usually used for the Christmas party and translated that into gifts for the children."

Emms adds that it is so great to get the chance to see the little ones get a chance to talk to Santa while also getting a present.

"It's heartwarming to see the families and the children, some of whom we haven't been able to see for a couple of years with all the restrictions and just not being able to get together like we usually do. It'll be great to see everyone again."

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