Angel Gifts at Our Place – Over 750 presents will be delivered to people in need

VICTORIA, B.C. – For the last four years, Our Place volunteer Linda Ryder has dedicated her Christmas to collecting as many presents as possible. But before you get jealous, she then gives all of them away to vulnerable people who might otherwise go without.

Ryder runs Angel Gifts, a program that has been in existence for 14 years with co-ordination passed from hand to hand. Through the generosity of her fellow Our Place volunteers, local churches, schools, community groups and government offices, Ryder is planning to hand out over 750 personalized presents to people living in poverty on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

“It means so much to people to receive a gift that is meant just for them,” says Ryder. “I get so many hugs that I can’t stop smiling.”

Each gift has an approximate value of $40, and “angels” are encouraged to add a personal message to the recipient.

“It’s truly wonderful to witness the community coming together like this and spread the true meaning of Christmas,” says Don Evans, executive director of Our Place. “Each gift is greeted with a smile of appreciation, and the occasional giggle, which warms all our hearts.”