By Amber Haustein
The Tail Creek Snowbird’s annual Community Christmas Card fundraiser had a tremendously successful year in 2020, raising over $1,200 from the 55 cards purchased by Erskine residents.
“We more than doubled our annual average of about $500,” says Keith Haustein, past president of the Snowbirds, and long-time Christmas card organizer. “We give 100 per cent of the proceeds to the recipient, and it’s really great to have such a large amount to donate.”
This year’s Christmas card proceeds were donated to Scott Douglas, who has lived in Erskine for 11 years. Scott was paralyzed in a snowmobile accident in 2008 which lately has been causing him serious health issues. Due to his health care needs, Scott moved to Stettler in December so he would have better access to homecare and the hospital.
“I want to thank you all sincerely from the bottom of my heart. It means so much to me to have the support of my community,” says Scott. “Because of my health issues, I haven’t been able to work since September and this money will help me pay the bills.”
When in better health, Scott works as an auctioneer in Camrose and the Stettler Auction Mart, as well as at WalMart. He loves auctioneering so much, he even volunteers at local seniors’ homes to put on mock auction sales. He says residents have a blast making bids with their monopoly money as he calls out the bids.
“I’ve volunteered to do lots of live auctions for local fundraisers, and I’ve witnessed first-hand the generosity of the community. It is unreal to be on the receiving end of this community support,” says Scott.
Though Scott’s doctor has indicated that he likely has a few more months of healing ahead of him, he is hopeful to soon be back working and enjoying life.
As for the Tail Creek Snowbird Snowmobile Club, the Christmas Card fundraiser will be back next winter with a new intended recipient.
“People like Scott are why we do this,” says Keith. “What’s better than supporting someone who is so deserving of their community’s support while also spreading some Christmas cheer?”
The Tail Creek Snowmobile Club would like to thank the generous donations from this year’s card participants, as well as to all past participants.
To learn more about the Tail Creek Snowbirds, visit their website at www.tailcreeksnowbirdsab.ca or like them on Facebook.