Little traditions and customs take on more importance this time of year.
Little traditions and customs take on more importance this time of year — an ugly but special decoration on a tree, the way stockings are hung, a cup of cheer with co-workers or old friends.
Helping people, and remembering others, is one of those fine traditions, as Kathleen Sharman tells us today.
“This has become a Christmas tradition to make a donation in the memory of my parents, Ike and Laura Penner, who were both long time supporters of the Salvation Army,” Kathleen writes, and with her note comes a gift to Sporting Christmas — every dollar of which goes to the Sally Ann for its Christmas hamper program.
The McKillop clan from Elrose donates every single year in memory of Ralph McKillop, and we’re always glad to see that name.
Joyce Davis donates in memory of her late husband, Wayne H. Davis.
“Wayne sang tenor with Chimo Cordsmen Barbershoppers, plus several quartets for many years,” Joyce writes. “He so enjoyed entertaining seniors over the Christmas season.”
Stephanie Choma, a long-time friend of mine, donates in memory of another old friend, the ever-gregarious Ted Wyman — most recently with the Winnipeg Sun, Ted also worked at the Moose Jaw Times-Herald many years ago.
“My donation this year is in memory of our friend and former colleague Ted Wyman,” Stephanie writes. “A great sportswriter, a great friend and an all-around outstanding human who recently passed away. Truly one of the good guys.”
A personal note: Ted and I covered the Winter Olympics in China together a couple years ago, and when we went our separate ways at the airport in Vancouver, we promised to see each other a little ways down the road. It was the last time I saw him in person, and I really wish I could change that — it’s how life goes.
It was great to hear from the good folks at Saskatoon Minor Hockey, who sent a gift our way, and Mel Winmill — a Leafs fan his entire life — is remembered by daughter Anna Story.
Marlene and Jim Kells sent a nice note with their donation, and it’s a good way to wrap things up today.
“With all that is going on in the world, including here at home, it seems appropriate that we might offer a prayer of hope for peace this Christmas,” they write. “And a big thank you to the Salvation Army for helping those in need right here in our city!”
Mailing your donation won’t work so well right now with the postal strike continuing, but there’s other ways to give.
You can also stop by the Salvation Army at 38 Bateman Crescent and drop off your gift. Please make sure to mark it as as a Sporting Christmas donation.
Thanks to today’s Santas:
Loving memory of Edna and Nick Korpan, from their children and grandchildren: $300
Memory of Doris Kell from Sandra Forsberg: $100
Remembering Keith (KJ) Jones. Many will always remember you: $8.58
Anonymous: $100
Memory of Marilyn Walters from James McClements: $100
Memory of Dorothy McKnight from Ken, Kevin, Regan, Jody and Families: $600
Roger Malmgren: $250
Memory of Ted Wyman from Stephanie Choma: $250
Memory of Ralph McKillop from the McKillop Clan of Elrose: $125
Saskatoon Minor Hockey: $200
Memory of our mom, Mae Glasman, from Ross and Janet Revill: $100
Memory of Hal Lackie from Celeste Delahey: $60
Memory of George and Anne Gabrielson: $100
Lyle and Carol Minogue: $200
Anonymous: $75
Eileen and Cam McLelland: $200
Memory of Gordon Turner, Joffre Turner, Reg Turner, Tom and Bill Bruce and Dustin MacIvor from Pam Turner: $100
Memory of my parents, Ike and Laura Penner, from Kathleen Sharman: $100
Memory of my late husband Wayne H. Davis from Joyce Davis: $100
Memory of Murray Gibson, Don Gibson, Mick Ellis, Brian Walter, Art Guse, Lowell Snodgrass and Peter Clark. Good friends, good sportsmen and good citizens, from Tony Linner: $60
Memory of Marilyn Walter, Valerie Wall and Laurel Chelsom from Tony Linner: $60
Memory of my husband Bryce, from Bette Ann Green: $100
Loving memory of our son Jordan Chartier from Lori Chartier: $200
Memory of our dad, Mel Winmill, who remained a Leafs fan his entire life, from Anna Story: $50
Memory of Cam Fuller and Verne Clemence from William Robertson: $100
To honour the kindness of my grandchildren, Dylan, Lauren, Macy, Wells and Thea, from Astrid Pura: $100
With a prayer of hope for peace this Christmas, Marlene and Jim Kells: $200
Anonymous: $50
Memory of my beloved husband Greg Mylks from Lorna Clarke: $60
In remembrance of Hal Lackie, whose kind community spirit lives on through his family: $100
Anonymous: $100
Memory of our grandson Nicklas Hyshka from Lucille and Wally Hyshka: $100
Roland Delhomeau: $100
Today’s total: $4,448.58
TOTAL TO DATE: $11,478.58
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