Operation Santa Launches Urgent Holiday Campaign in Saskatoon

UPDATE: Operation Santa has officially launched its 2025 holiday campaign in Saskatoon, targeting immediate support for hundreds of families facing hardships this holiday season. The initiative, announced earlier today at the White Buffalo Youth Lodge, aims to deliver hampers, gifts, and essential supplies to those in need, including students, elders, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

The campaign is a collaborative effort involving 16 community organizations, such as the Saskatoon Friendship Inn and Saskatoon Tribal Council, which have already identified families requiring assistance. Recipients will be surprised with delivery packages, ensuring they receive support without prior knowledge.

Shirley Greyeyes, director of the Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation and co-chair of Operation Santa, emphasized the urgency of this year’s initiative during the announcement. “Last year, our goal was to assist 750 families, but we exceeded that, helping 1,100 families, 198 students, and around 100 residential school survivors,” she stated. This year, while the goal remains at 750 families, Greyeyes is confident they will surpass it once again.

Families are referred to the program anonymously through front-line agencies that work year-round with those in need. These referrals cater to various household sizes, including individuals and families of up to 24 people. Greyeyes explained the program’s flexibility: “We customize our hampers for families living in houses and apartments, as well as those temporarily housed in hotels.”

Anne-Marie Rollo, a trustee at Saskatoon Public Schools, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “The support offered through this initiative goes far beyond items and hampers; it conveys that they are valued and supported,” she remarked.

With the needs of the community growing, the launch comes at a critical time. Local food banks, including a new facility in Saskatoon, are also working tirelessly to meet increasing demand.

Greyeyes shared a poignant story from last year that encapsulates the campaign’s spirit. She recounted a young mother who, after struggling with homelessness, finally secured an apartment for her family. “She told her kids, ‘This is our Christmas … this is all we can have,’” Greyeyes said. Just days later, a delivery from Operation Santa brought unexpected joy, leaving the mother in tears. “She literally broke down and cried because she had just finished telling her children they would have nothing,” Greyeyes added.

Operation Santa’s 2025 campaign is not just about providing material goods; it’s about restoring dignity and hope to families in crisis. As the organization gears up for another successful year, the community’s support is vital for ensuring that no family is left behind this holiday season.

As the campaign unfolds, the community is urged to contribute and share in the spirit of giving. Stay tuned for updates on how many families will be reached this year and how you can help make a difference.