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More than 120 residents at Elmwood Residence were blown away by their surprise from the Christmas Wish, now in its 11th year.
The housing initiative was gifted a new car stuffed with gym equipment for residents along with a pizza party for residents.
650 CKOM sister stations Rock 102 and C95 listeners were able to nominate deserving families and individuals for some extra help during the holiday season.
Elmwood Residences staff, along with sponsors of the Xmas Wish campaign, pose in front of the new vehicle gifted to the non-profit organization on Dec. 19, 2019. (Brady Lang/650 CKOM)
Gary Emde, Elmwood Residence board chair, said they have 11 properties around the city, and managers and supervisors have to travel around to the different properties frequently.
Emde said because of that, what they’re travelling in makes a huge difference in day-to-day operations.
“Elmwood has struggled for a number of years for good vehicles. To have community support around here, and (this vehicle) has good economical value, and its something we’ll use a lot,” he said.
“(The vehicle) will be on the road a lot. It’s just more than appreciated. Elmwood has required this vehicle for some time, so it is an absolutely pleasant surprise to receive it.”
Precision Autobody grants Christmas wishes annually, along with help from other community sponsors.
Its owner, Jennifer Gioccoli, said the program builds life-long relationships with those they give to.
“It’s giving back to the community. Every year it just seems to get bigger and bigger. This year, with a ton of local generous sponsors, we were able to give to four different families, and a non-profit organization (in) Elmwood Residences,” she said.
“It’s amazing. All week we’ve been giving. Meeting with families, and giving, and then today at Elmwood, it just tops the cake.”
Galon Insurance Saskatoon provided the insurance on the vehicle for one full year.
Jen Galon, vice-president of marketing for the company, said it has been involved with Elmwood in the past, which made Thursday’s giveaway that much more special.
“Elmwood is definitely near and dear to our hearts,” Galon said. “When we had the opportunity to help out with the Precision Wish, and we found out it was Elmwood, we were thrilled.”
Elmwood Residences provides long-term care for both physically and intellectually disabled persons.
Grieving mother given a hand by the Xmas Wish campaign
After a tragic year for a Saskatoon family, Carla Osbourne and her son, Zayne, were shocked when they were given a massive care package of their own Thursday.
The massive care package consisted of groceries and gift cards.
Osbourne’s husband, Mighty, recently passed away from a heart attack, making this holiday season tough on the family.
“(I felt) overwhelmed. I wasn’t expecting it, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” she said. “(The Christmas Wish) won’t replace him, but it helps.”
In addition to the care package, the Osbournes were given plane tickets to Carla’s home province of Newfoundland.
She said she’s glad that she’ll be able to take some comfort in seeing her family, and she’s particularly happy to see her mother, who is dealing with health issues.
Brando Quiring, a close friend of Osbourne, nominated her for the campaign.
“It was a natural fit to get her in after all the stuff that she had suffered. I thought it might be a way to salvage some good out of something that happened that was so bad,” he said.
“To find somebody that needs help or a leg up, and to brighten their day a little bit … that’s what Christmas is for, right?”
— With files from 650 CKOM’s Dominick Lucyk