I got an email a few weeks ago from a reader, here’s what it said:
Hello Michelle!
My name is Andrea Hatton – I am currently employed with Savage Arms out in Lakefield.
I’m a wife and a mother of two incredibly amazing little humans – Eli my son is 4 and MJ my daughter is 2.
A month or so ago when Christmas talk was coming up – I decided that this year was going to be different for my fam jam. Last year we went WAY overboard and spent money on things that were so unnecessary but just to give them that wow factor on Christmas morning…now I’m kicking myself almost an entire year later because we have so many things that are not needed and have no space in our home – the pre Christmas toy purge is rapidly approaching.
After a long discussion with my husband, well it wasn’t actually that long of a discussion – but we decided this year Santa was going to bring a very minimal amount of things to our kids. We want to teach them that although it’s nice to get gifts it’s not all about the gifts.
This year we wanted to be able to give back to some less fortunate children.
So back in September by son’s school had “Spirit Week” to raise money for Terry Fox…
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ Spirit Week!! So that following week I came to work and met with my HR manager. I pitched him a Savage Arms Spirit Week – and suggested we raise money for the Children’s Aid Society’s Santa’s Sleigh campaign. One of our managers here as a child was very involved with CAS – and holds the Santa’s Sleigh and CAS very close to her. The suggestion was for one week in November we have different themed days – you had to pay to participate – with all funds raised going to the purchasing of gifts for those less fortunate.
Fast forward to today.
Today is our last day of our Spirit Week.It went off without a hitch!
We had 110 employees participate. Each employee donated $10 to participate in the week of fun.
Monday was camo day, Tuesday was crazy hat day, Wednesday we played BINGO! and Thursday was crazy hair day.
Today being the last day of the fundraiser – we decided to do a raffle – again all proceeds going to Santa’s Sleigh.
So far I am so happy to say that we’ve raised just over $1100.By the end of today the total raised will go up – with the hopes of getting around $1250.
What’s the most fun about all of this, is that now – we get to go into Walmart and load up carts and carts with toys for those beautiful babies. We get to be Santa for a day! We get to make a difference and make Christmas morning that much more special for those amazing kids.We honestly couldn’t be more excited. How amazing of a feeling to know that in just one week we raised enough money to be able to do this – we’re going to make magic for kids on Christmas – and give them something special they’ve asked for.
All too often we take for granted how fortunate we are. I know my kids are spoiled and take for granted that they have things and will always have things. But for those kids – that is certainly not the case. These things mean more to them than my own kids – so for that I’m so grateful to be a part of this. Get back into the spirit of what it’s supposed to feel like doing things for people who need and deserve it.
We haven’t set a date for our shopping yet – but would absolutely love if you wanted to be a part of this journey with us! I know you do your drive by’s – and all your amazing work throughout the community but should you have some time – and it’s something of interest to you – we’d love to have you share in our shopping spree for all the beautiful children who deserve this more than anything.
I couldn’t be more proud of my co-workers for making this possible – it really is wonderful and an indescribable feeling knowing we get a turn to give back now.
This ones for the children!
Thank you for taking the time to read my email 🙂
I wish you and your family a safe and amazing holiday season!!!Andrea Hatton
Andrea and the Savage Arms team are AMAZING!! It’s like they are the Who’s down in Whoville and they’ve made the Grinch’s heart grow two sizes!!
Unfortunately our schedules didn’t coordinate for me to video the shopping spree, BUT Andrea was awesome and snapped some pics and sent me this email after they went shopping!
What an amazing feeling tonight was – I have to admit it was bittersweet – I’d have loved to be able to help every single kid on that board but knowing we helped as many as we could was just an incredible feeling.
Tonight we took $800 – that bought us 2 cart fulls of toys and some gift cards.
Tomorrow our ideal plan will be to take the other $807 and do gift cards for the older group – we want to make sure everyone has something so as they say the older kids tend to be left out we want to make sure that we can help some of them as well.
We’re thinking Lansdowne Place gift cards ?
It was so wonderful. The staff that works at the CAS were so incredible and so excited for everyone’s participation!
Every little bit counts!
Thanks to the ladies at the register we went through 3 times! They were so sweet and patient while we sorted through each gift to make sure our tags were with each individual gift.
A big tank you to Walmart for donating each plastic bag for the gifts – .5 cents a bag may not seem like much but that all added up just meant more gifts for those kids.
My hope is to inspire more work places and teams to get crazy – spirit week it up!!!! It’s so simple – and so fun.
I have to thank everyone that participated and made this all possible – for the amazing people I work with thank you!!!!
Andrea Hatton
I really LOVE this story. This time of year it’s so important to give what you can. You may not be able to give gifts, or money, but maybe you can give your time, or some kind words.
Way to go Andrea and the Savage Arms Team. There will be some pretty excited kids Christmas morning thanks to you!
If you want to donate to the Children’s Aid Santas Sleigh you can get more info here.
There are so many organizations to give to this time of year and all year. Maybe you have a co worker or family member that has a special connection to charity? Talk to them and find out which one fits and take the lead of Andrea and Savage Arms and get into the spirit of GIVING!
MF
