"Operation Christmas Child" Bearspaw Christian School & Samaritans Purse - Christmas 2010

http://www.bearspawschool.com EMS vehicles, STARS and HAWC 2 helicopters arrived at Bearspaw Christian School November 5th, 2010 to load more than 860 Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes to be delivered to Samaritan's Purse.

Operation Christmas Child is a Christian relief organization that provides gifts for the holiday season to impoverished people around the world.

The foundation was established in 1993 and continues to grow today. Last year, the association obtained eight million shoe boxes worldwide.

"When you get the chance to see the smiles on the kids' faces, you'll never forget it," said Martin Silbernagel, communications advisor of Samaritans Purse.

In 2009, Calgary alone raised 28,533 shoe boxes to be sent to South and Central America and West Africa.

"We don't really set goals, but hopefully we get double or triple as last year," said Silbernagel.

Guatemala, Chile, Paraguay, Venezuela, Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra Leone will all receive shoe boxes from the Calgary region this year.

There will also be a special shipment sent to children in Hati.

"They (Bearspaw Christian students) love it because it's an opportunity for them to give to the community and one of our goals as an organization and vision is to teach minds, reach hearts and transform our world," said Darryn Werth, a teacher at Bearspaw Christian School.

This was the first year Bearspaw Christian School was able to host the event.

"It's a way to give back and get involved in the community and others around the world," said Caterina Sorsensen, a Grade 12 student at Bearspaw Christian School.

For many children who receive the shoe boxes from Operation Christmas Child, this will be the first present they have ever received.

"I learned we can give what we have to the people who are less fortunate than us," said Kyle Fraser, a Grade 10 student at Bearspaw Christian School.

Samaritan's Purse partners with supporters in Canada and with local organizations abroad to provide compassionate and cost-effective assistance to anyone who needs it, regardless of religion, race, gender or socio-economic standing.

The emergency relief programs provide desperately needed assistance to victims of natural disaster, war, disease and famine.

To make a donation to Operation Christmas Child, visit samaritanspurse.ca or call 403-250-6565.

www.samaritanspurse.ca

Calgary Video Production by: BizBOXTV

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

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