Christmas is still 50 days away, but a special gift has already arrived for a North Vancouver charity desperate to find a place to store and distribute donations.
The North Shore Christmas Bureau relies on a donated space each year to house their operations -- but this year, no one had stepped up to donate.
But following a story CTV News ran on Sunday, the community rushed to the bureau's aid.
"On Monday when I came into the office I had 30 calls from viewers and people who read the paper," says the bureau's Janet Sanderson.
Central Lonsdale Business Centre donated two offices, totaling 2,000 square feet. Mike Cunning says answering the call for help was a simple choice.
"Anybody in the same situation would do the same thing," says Cunning. "I don't think we're all that different and if we are it's time to pull up our socks."
Renovations are already underway, and the Christmas bureau plans to move in November 15th.
The bureau distributes gifts every year through their toy shop, where parents can choose presents for their children.
The bureau also distributes hampers full of food, clothing and comfort items to 600 North Shore families. More than 200 people have already registered. With the downturn in the economy, the need this year is expected to be great.
"I think we're in a crunch this year, hopefully people will see there's a need in the community," says Sanderson.
And thankfully, when the Christmas bureau raised the alarm, the community was there to help.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Carrie Stefanson
