CHED SANTAS ANONYMOUS INCORPORATED

CHED SANTAS ANONYMOUS INCORPORATED is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering the spirit of Christmas to less fortunate families by providing new toys to children during the holiday season.

History

Founded in 1955 by Jerry Forbes, the organization's mission has remained unchanged over the years: to ensure every child receives a new toy at Christmas. Initially, it was run with a small staff on the second floor of CHED, but it has since grown significantly. Jerry Forbes was a production manager at CHED who eventually became the station's general manager and spent 28 years there before retiring in June 1981[3][5].

Mission

The mission of CHED SANTAS ANONYMOUS INCORPORATED is driven by a simple yet impactful goal: to see every child receive a new toy at Christmas, rather than used or repainted items. This philosophy has guided the organization's efforts for over six decades, aiming to make a meaningful difference in the lives of less fortunate children[3][5].

Operations

The organization relies heavily on community involvement, with thousands of volunteers and donors contributing each year. It collects, sorts, packages, and delivers toys to a large number of children annually. The number of children helped by CHED SANTAS ANONYMOUS INCORPORATED has grown over the years, with reports indicating that it now serves more than 25,000 children every year[5].

Governance

CHED SANTAS ANONYMOUS INCORPORATED is governed by a board of directors, which includes staff members from CHED and volunteers from the community. The board meets monthly to guide the program, set policies, and provide resources for the Executive Director[2]. The organization is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a charitable entity[2].

Impact

The organization's success can be attributed to its widespread impact within the community. Many people in Edmonton have either received assistance from or contributed to CHED SANTAS ANONYMOUS INCORPORATED at some point. The organization provides vital support to families facing financial challenges, ensuring that children from these families receive new toys on Christmas morning[2].