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Kalesnikoff Employees spread Christmas cheer with Third Annual 'Hope for the Holidays'

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
December 20th, 2018

Kalesnikoff employees were out again playing the role of Santa’s elves leading up to the holidays as the group once again helped bring the spirit of the season to 47 local Nelson and Castlegar families with the third annual Hope for the Holidays.

During 2018, employees donated over $8,500 through payroll deductions, matched by the company and supplemented with other fundraising activities including a 50/50 draw to total $20,000 – the most the team has raised since the program began three years ago.

“We have so many families in need every year, and programs like “Hope for the Holidays” really do provide joy and hope along with food, clothing, toys and other items that help families and children during the holidays and beyond, throughout the year,” said Val Sherriff, Program Coordinator at the Salvation Army in Nelson.

The 20 employees who’ve been volunteering their time to shop, organize, and deliver would like to thank other local organizations for their support, including Secret Garden Toys in Nelson for opening early on Saturday morning while Kalesnikoff elves took advantage of a charitable discount to shop for 100 children, supplemented by a trip to Wal-Mart.

The Kootenay Market in Castlegar also pitched in with financial and staff support for both perishable and non-perishable items. Sutco Transportation Specialists also provided funds to sponsor a local family through the Kalesnikoff “Hope for the Holidays” program on top of their own holiday efforts.

The gifts are divided between families in Nelson — in partnership with the Salvation Army  — and Castlegar, with the Castlegar and District Community Service Society, to spread the spirit across the region.

“Everyone should feel the warmth and generosity of the holidays,” said Kristein Johnson, Executive Director, Castlegar and District Community Services Society. “We are grateful to Kalesnikoff and all the local organizations and families that reach out to their neighbours during this special time of year.”

About Kalesnikoff Lumber:

Kalesnikoff Lumber is a family-owned, fourth-generation, specialty forest products manufacturer proudly located in Thrums, BC with 150 local employees. The Kalesnikoff team proudly combines our experience and passion to create exceptional wood products from every log we touch to support our customers, communities and the environment. The company will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2019 and is proud to support local organizations and events throughout the year.

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