Members of the Calgary Fire Department transformed into holiday helpers this weekend, spreading festive joy at the 58th annual Children's Christmas Party organized by the Calgary Firefighters Toy Association.
A Legacy of Giving Spanning Decades
The heartwarming tradition has deep roots in the community. Calgary Fire Department assistant deputy chief of operations, Tom Jukes, explained that the initiative began in 1945 at Old Fire Station 3. "One of our firefighters started taking on old toys, repairing them and handing them out to children in need," Jukes recounted.
The event evolved into a full Christmas party in 1967, creating an interactive experience for children to meet firefighters and receive a gift. "That's where we are today," Jukes said, noting the party has been an annual fixture for 58 years since that milestone.
Massive Community Impact in 2025
This year's event, held at the TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary, achieved remarkable scale. Organizers prepared to distribute a staggering number of gifts to families facing hardship during the holiday season.
"We'll be handing out between 4,000 to 5,000 gifts this year, seeing a lot of families in need — over 1,600 — they get to receive a gift, and then they get a chance to meet with Santa," Jukes stated. The party also featured balloon bubbles and other festive activities, creating a joyful atmosphere for all attendees.
The association works closely with Calgary school boards and the Salvation Army to identify families and children who are less fortunate and might not otherwise receive a gift or celebrate Christmas.
Firefighters Find Purpose Beyond Emergencies
For the firefighters and volunteers involved, the event represents a cherished opportunity to connect with their community in a positive, non-emergency setting. Jukes emphasized the profound meaning this work holds for frontline staff.
"It's a great interaction for our members to be able to give back to the community and be impactful in a way outside of an emergency event," he said. The goal is to "bring some joy to both children, but also some relief to parents" during a time of year that can be financially and emotionally challenging for many.
Jukes reflected on the broader significance, noting, "For our folks, it gives a lot of closure, and it's just a great opportunity to give back and really make an impactful difference to those that are less fortunate." The event underscores the Calgary Fire Department's enduring commitment to community welfare, a tradition of compassion that now spans multiple generations.
