PSC Wraps Up Successful 43rd Annual Santa's Anonymous Campaign
Ponoka Secondary Campus (PSC) has successfully concluded its 43rd annual Santa’s Anonymous Program, celebrating another year of donations and community involvement. The campaign, which ran from Nov. 12 to Dec. 9, brought together students, staff, and the Ponoka community to support local families in need this holiday season.
One of the highlights of the campaign was the 29th Annual Santa Showdown, Dec. 11, at the Ponoka Arena Complex. The event featured a spirited hockey game between PSC Grade 12 students and staff, drawing a lively crowd of supporters. Admission fees, along with food, toys, and monetary donations collected during the event, contributed to the program's success. PSC expressed gratitude to all the students, staff, volunteers, and community members who made the fundraiser an overwhelming success.
The Stuff a Bus Campaign is another cornerstone of the initiative. Paul’s No Frills in Ponoka, made a welcome contribution, donating three large carts full of non-perishable food items. The campaign surpassed last year’s total, achieving its ambitious goals thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of student volunteers, including Ms. Amdam’s senior high girls basketball team, who stayed late to unload buses packed with donations.
PSC also issued a Corporate Challenge again this year, which saw incredible support from businesses like Boston Pizza Ponoka and Tasha Cordel - Remax Real Estate Central Alberta. These businesses not only made significant contributions but also inspired others to join the effort, resulting in an outpouring of donations.
One of the highlights of this year’s efforts was the Ponoka Toy Drive - Fill-A-Sleigh-Day, Dec. 7. Local stores like Sommer Home Hardware, Main Street Hardware, and Red Apple partnered with PSC to collect new, unwrapped toys for the campaign. Donations also came in from local craftsmen and from businesses like Brandt Agriculture.
“The community is always generous with this event. PSC extended heartfelt thanks to the merchants and community members who contributed to making it a successful toy drive,” said Cody Baird, PSC Principal
"Each Christmas season, the support from our small community reminds us of what is possible when we come together.”
In school, a Classroom Food Drive encouraged students to donate canned goods and spare change, while local businesses, including Paul’s No Frills and Hammy’s, hosted donation events downtown. These efforts, combined with online contributions through CanadaHelps, ensured that many families in Ponoka will have a brighter holiday season.
"The Santa’s Anonymous Program embodies the heart of our community. This year is a testament to the generosity and compassion of Ponoka residents and our incredible students,” said Baird. “This event is very important each year, especially as we see rising costs in everything from utilities to groceries.”
As the 43rd year of this cherished program concludes, PSC extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed, proving once again that the Ponoka community rises to meet every challenge in the spirit of giving.
Donations from the several campaigns will now provide food and gift hampers which will be distributed to local families in need, coordinated by PSC staff to ensure families receive the support needed this holiday season.