Airdrie and Rocky View County residents went above and beyond this year topping last year's donations for Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.

Despite the challenges posed by inflation, shortages, and the conflict in Ukraine, Canadians packed 415,072 shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, school supplies, and many other items during the 2022 Samaritan’s Purse shoebox campaign

"A big thank you to Airdrie and Rocky View County residents for the part they played in making sure as many children as possible could get some joy and hope," explained Frank King, the news media relations manager for Samaritan's Purse, Canada.

This year, the Airdrie area donated a total of 2,041 shoeboxes, up from 2021’s 1,225.

Shoebox distribution has already started on a global scale. Children in Ukraine, the Philippines, Central America, and western Africa will receive shoeboxes filled with love during the coming weeks.

More than 200 million children have received shoeboxes packed by generous folks all over the world since Samaritans Purse started doing this operation.

"This started way back in 1993. When we were asked to take over a program that was started by a couple in Wales, who wanted to provide some shoeboxes full of Christmas gifts to children in Bosnia during the horrible Bosnian War in the early 90s. The program quickly grew a little bit too big for them, and they asked Samaritan's Purse to take over. "

Samaritans Purse will be doing this event once again next year and hope to see even more Airdrie residents contribute to the cause.

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