Spirit of Christmas hits the road on city bus

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 10, 2024.

Herald photo by Alexandra Noad A city bus is decorated on the inside and outside as Lethbridge Transit is partnering with Christmas Hope to get donations for six different charities citywide. The bus will be present at several events until Dec. 21.

A transit bus lit up with Christmas lights and decorated on the inside with Christmas trees and ornaments will be arriving in style at local events throughout the month of December to bring some hope to those who need it during the Christmas season.

The City of Lethbridge has partnered with the Christmas Hope campaign to accept donations for six charities throughout the city.

Joseph Bompiani, Transit Operations manager for the City of Lethbridge, says the bus has already turned some heads on its first excursion out over the weekend.

“This vehicle is not in service, however, we do have to get it to the location, so when we were taking it from (the transit station) to the arena it was pretty noticeable that we had some wide eyes as we were passing and some cameras out of the windows. It was fun to see and we’d like to see more of that through the Christmas season,” said Bompiani.

Bompiani added while Lethbridge Transit has partnered with charities in the past, this is the first year they have taken the lead on this kind of program.

“It’s no secret that families are having a bit of a tougher time, so if we can be any kind of help, then we’d like to do that,” said Bompiani.

The charities who will benefit from donations include Interfaith Food Bank, Lethbridge Food Bank, Volunteer Lethbridge, MyCityCare Shop of Wonders, Angel Tree through Lethbridge Family Services and The Salvation Army.

Danielle MacIntyre, executive director for the Interfaith Food Bank, says with the rising cost of living, she has noticed a drastic increase in those who need the services of the food bank.

“This year has probably been our trickiest. We are a little concerned about how things may look for us in the new year if our Christmas campaigns don’t go off well this year,” said MacIntyre.

The Interfaith Food Bank officially launched their Christmas hamper campaign Monday morning and while they need pre-registration, MacIntyre says they are already busy.

Bompiani says the bus has been well received from transit drivers, as they see the community firsthand in their daily routines so they love having the chance to give back.

“Our drivers see the community firsthand, so those personal interactions, having those relationships and being able to serve those communities and those families, that’s what we’re all about,” said Bompiani.

The bus can be found at VisitLethbridge.com arena on Friday between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. before the Hurricanes take on the Rebels.

They will also be in the Japanese Gardens Winter Light Festival on Sunday Dec. 15 and Thursday Dec. 19 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. both evenings.

The bus will make a final appearance at the Glow Lethbridge event happening at the Agri-Food Hub on Dec. 21 and Dec. 23 from 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. both days.

Community members are encouraged to not only bring a donation of food, toys or monetary donations, but also to hop on the bus and take pictures.

There will be chances to win both a monthly transit pass as well as season pass to the Japanese Gardens for those who share their pictures on social media.