Donation helps kickstart Angel Tree campaign

By Lethbridge Herald on November 15, 2025.

Alexandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

The Lethbridge Family Services 33rd annual Angel Tree Christmas Campaign officially launched on Friday, and their three-year presenting sponsor Avonlea Homes, presented them with a substantial financial donation. 

During the launch of the campaign at one of their show homes, Ron Tyslau from Avonlea Homes, presented the Angel Tree Campaign with a cheque for $40,135. 

Lindsay Prete, Angel Tree co-ordinator, said afterward that she was still in utter shock. 

“I went over there and I said I can finally take a little bit of breather, because it gets scary when the donations aren’t coming in as much as they used to because of the financial times for a lot of people,” said Prete. 

Seeing the amount on that cheque helps her breath a little bit easier as this will help them acquire a lot of items on multiple children’s wish lists, because turning children away is not an option for them. 

“Angel Tree is not just a gift giving campaign, but that’s essentially what it is for children zero to 18 years. We make sure that they have something on their wish list along with something warm and cozy and something to just make them feel better during Christmas,” said Prete. 

She said every gift bundle is $100 and therefore the donation from Avonlea Homes is extremely helpful.  

Tyslau explained that the donation came from multiple trades people that continue to show up for the community, and he could not be more grateful for their support. 

“We get to lead the journey of hope, but our trades are really the heavy lifters of the whole journey,” said Tyslau. 

He said they will be helping the Angel Tree campaign spend the money by going on a shopping spree at Toys R Us on Nov. 20. 

“Anytime we go there is close to 35 or 40 shopping carts full and there’s one trade that has specifically asked if he can bring his soccer team to shop,” said Tyslau. 

He said they will be bringing the soccer team along with them because it is important for youth to be aware of the Angel Tree Campaign existence. 

Sandra Mintz, CEO of Lethbridge Family Services, said last year the Angel Tree Campaign delivered gift bundles to 4,343 children thanks to the help of the community and the efforts of hundreds of volunteers. 

“Over 500 volunteers gave their time and hearts six days a week to make that happen last year. Together they powered a $400,000 campaign, half in gifts and half in funds, but entirely fueled by love,” said Mintz. 

She said this year their goal is to raise $180,000 as they already registered 1,200 children. She added that volunteers have already bundled 700 gifts. 

“Angel Tree is a journey of joy, heartbreak, and memories that ultimately lead us to something greater than a gift under the tree. It leads us to community and hope, it leads us home,” said Mintz. “Today, I invite you to join us again to keep the magic alive for children who deserve to believe in brighter days.”

Those interested in taking part of the campaign by donating brand new items, they can drop them off unwrapped, at the Angel Tree Toy Depot located at unit 108 920 2A Ave N or at any of the official drop off locations across the city. 

Drop off locations can be found at https://www.lfsfamily.ca/dropoff , items suggestions can be found at https://www.lfsfamily.ca/pick-an-angel and for other ways to donate visit https://www.lfsfamily.ca/angeldonate