It's not even Christmas yet but the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie found something under the tree yesterday (December 19).  

That something was a cheque for $1,224 from the Sierra Springs Boston Pizza that the Boys and Girls Club will put to good use for their General Fund for programs that don't receive ample funding.

The club's Executive Director Denisa Sanness says the money is a big help particularly since many charities are going through difficult times.

"It's phenomenal, especially this year in particular.  It's been a tough year for a lot of families, a lot of community members and as a charity, we've been impacted as well so it just really helps us to reach more children and support more families."

The Manager of the Sierra Springs Boston Pizza Gurpreet Uppal explained exactly how the money was raised.  

"Every year we do Valentine's pizzas, those are heart-shaped pizzas.  Every pizza that we sell, a dollar goes to the foundation and we also sell Kid's Cards and a dollar goes to the foundation also.  Then Boston Pizza International says ten percent goes to us and we decide where we want to spend that money and we always liked the Boys and Girls Club."

Boys and Girls Club Board member Bill Martin was also on hand for the cheque presentation.  Martin loves the work that they do as a club and the programs that they provide.

"They work so hard, and provide all these services, services that people don't even realize are available.  They've even got tutoring and after-school programs and camps.  I think everything we can do as a society to help children to get a good start so they can get on the road to adulthood and flourish.  That's what I think is most important for kids nowadays."

The Mission Statement of the Boys and Girls Club is "to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life."

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