On Christmas Day 2025, as many Calgarians celebrated at home, a network of charitable organizations and dedicated volunteers were already hard at work across the city, providing essential support, warm meals, and holiday cheer to those in need.
A Community Effort at the Calgary Drop-In Centre
The Calgary Drop-In Centre was a hub of holiday activity, serving hundreds of guests throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. CEO Sandra Clarkson emphasized that building community requires a community effort, expressing profound gratitude for the continued support from Calgarians that allows the organization to help the vulnerable.
The festive meals began on Christmas Eve, where the centre treated everyone who stopped in to a KFC dinner, distributing a minimum of 1,800 pieces of chicken to at least 900 guests.
Christmas Day continued with a traditional lunch featuring turkey with all the fixings, as well as baked ham with pineapple, potatoes, and vegetables. The centre's kitchen team, comprised of just three people, worked tirelessly to prepare the hundreds of meals, supported by a behind-the-scenes team securing sponsorships and donations.
Holiday Backpacks and Heartfelt Gestures
Beyond the meals, the Drop-In Centre ensured every guest received a special holiday backpack. These packs contained a $10 coffee card, a reusable coffee mug, a chocolate bar, and other treats. A poignant annual tradition was upheld by the St. Luke’s Catholic Women’s League, which donated hundreds of Christmas cards along with postage, enabling guests to send a card to a loved one.
For female guests, the organization Purses for Hope provided purses filled with beauty products. Clarkson noted the community's exceptional generosity during the holiday season, which allows them to offer wholesome, nutritious, and comforting food.
Mobile Warming Stations and Volunteer Motivation
Across the city, The Salvation Army was also in action, setting up a mobile warming station near the 39th Avenue CTrain platform early on Christmas morning. Volunteer Ozzy Canales explained that these mobile units operate at various locations around Calgary from the start of December through March 31, providing a critical refuge from the cold.
For volunteers like those serving at the Drop-In Centre, the motivation was deeply personal. One volunteer shared, "There's still people out there every day, and just to make them feel a little bit special on Christmas Day, that is my motivation." This sentiment captured the driving force behind the day's widespread charitable efforts.
Looking Ahead to the New Year
As the holiday season concludes, the Calgary Drop-In Centre is looking toward future initiatives. The organization is exploring strategic plans focused on affordable housing and enhancing its shelter services. A key immediate goal is reaching a $2-million fundraising target to support the programs and services that assist up to 1,000 people daily throughout the winter months.
The collective efforts on Christmas Day 2025 in Calgary highlighted a powerful community response to need, ensuring that the spirit of the holiday reached every corner of the city.
