Calgary North Celebrates Second Big Success
with "Helping Hands" 

The Calgary North Progress Club is pleased to announce the success of its second annual Christmas charity drive, “Helping Hands” to benefit the Calgary Drop-In Centre and the Salvation Army Community and Family Services.

Throughout November and December, the program collected gifts, cash donations and toys for children, as well as many new and gently used items for people of all ages.  A total of 26,000 lbs of clothes were gathered and $18,000.00 in cash donations.  The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Calgary!

Helping Hands made significant progress in 2003 through two strategic partnerships.  The FAN 960 and JACK FM 96.9, (the number 1 rock radio station in Calgary) was able to create a widespread awareness of the program, while retail giant Mark’s Work Wearhouse made the program possible by providing drop-off locations for donations around the city and its surrounding areas.

New committee member, auctioneer Bill Brown teamed up with Regal Auctions and made over $10,000 through the donation of used vehicles.  This was truly a hit and definitely something to build on for next year.

Another highlight was Calgary North’s Chris Allan’s night out at his local watering hole on a Friday night.  After discussing Helping Hands with some individuals at the bar, cash donations started flying and the grand total was a whopping $600.

Thanks to Canadian Western Bank for collecting cash donations.

Thanks to Glenn Montgomery and his local Scout group who came early Saturday morning to the Salvation Army with the Calgary North crew and helped sort donated items.

Thank you to everyone who contributed either by donating items or by volunteering time. Helping Hands could not have been a success without your participation.

Congratulations to committee chair Gary Nakamura and committee members Bob Lockhart and Bill Brown for an outstanding job putting this event together.