Santa Stores Bring Holiday Magic to Saskatchewan Schools

This holiday season, SaskEnergy employees helped bring joy to classrooms across Saskatchewan through our annual Santa Store initiative. These pop-up stores give kids the chance to pick out gifts for their family members while learning the joy of giving.

At St. Raphael Community School in Regina, volunteers set up tables overflowing with gift items donated by SaskEnergy employees.

“It’s really impressive the amount of support SaskEnergy employees provide every Santa Store,” says employee Carter Henderson, who was volunteering for the first time at a Santa Store. “We had three full truckloads of donations for the kids this year.”

More than 50 employees volunteered at Santa Stores in Regina, Saskatoon, North Battleford, and Weyburn. They helped kids shop, wrap gifts, and share in the excitement of the season.

At Mayfair Elementary School in Saskatoon, the wrapping station became the busiest spot.

“It was a challenge wrapping random objects without boxes once we ran out of gift bags — although we did wrap a basketball somewhat successfully,” says Aaron Fichtner, who volunteered in Saskatoon. “It was a bit hectic once all the kids were lined up with gifts and were waiting for their turn at the wrapping table!”

However, volunteers worked together to make sure every gift was wrapped with care. Their creativity turned tricky tasks into moments of laughter and teamwork.

At Lawrence Elementary School in North Battleford, the day was filled with touching moments.

“Watching the kids’ emotions — from shyness to excitement — was a blessing,” says Christine Carter.

One moment stood out when several children asked for their gifts to simply say ‘FAMILY’ on the gift tag.

“To them, it was about unity, and that was heart-melting,” Christine adds.

Employee Sugar Dupuis also volunteered in North Battleford and was touched by helping a child choose a gift for their mom.

“They told me their mom works so hard, and they wanted to give her something special. It was heartwarming,” she says.

At St. Michael School in Weyburn, volunteers enjoyed helping kids find the perfect gifts.

“Watching them walk through the aisles with such joy and excitement fills your heart with happiness,” says April MacMillan.

“It’s so much fun helping the kids shop and trying to find the perfect gift for their family members,” adds Michelle Roemer.

The Santa Stores have become a holiday tradition at SaskEnergy as a celebration of kindness, teamwork and community.