Annie Effect collecting gifts for local kids
By Lethbridge Herald on June 5, 2025.
Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald
The Lethbridge Family Services Angel Tree Christmas campaign will once again receive a special early donation through the third annual Annie Effect event.
The Olsen family, who continue to honour the memory of their baby girl Annie Rae Olsen by helping other families, will be collecting items to be donated for the Angel Tree Christmas campaign on June 20 while celebrating what would have been Annie’s third birthday at the Coulee Creek Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Annie, who passed away in her sleep at the age of three and half months in October 2022, has inspired members of the community to give in her memory and her family and friends hope to continue doing so for as long as possible.
Her mom, Bekah Olsen, shared with members of the media Wednesday, that the Annie Effect has gathered hundreds of items for the Angel Tree Campaign in the last couple of years and the support from the community continues to grow.
“I wish she was here every day,” said Olsen. “I miss her, and this doesn’t get any easier, but I am grateful that we can help lots of families in our community that need the help with diapers, formula, wipes, and toys suitable for a three-year-old boy or girl.”
The Annie Effect collects items to be donated that are suitable for the age that Anie would have been at the time, and therefore this year they are looking for items suitable for a three-year-old child.
“The first year we had about 100 people, the second year close to 250 and doubled the amount of diapers, wipes and formula. Also, the gifts of blankets, books, toys have doubled,” said Olsen.
“We have so many refugees and beautiful families coming from different countries that just don’t have enough for their kids. So this is a beautiful opportunity to help all of these families.”
Michelle Gallucci, director of advancement and communications with LFS, said the organization is deeply honoured to receive gifts in memory of Annie.
“These gifts suitable for three-year-old children, will bring joy and comfort to newcomer families and for Angel Tree. This way, Annie’s legacy of love and light continues to shine.”
Olsen said being able to have those gifts donated to the Angel Tree Campaign helps her heal, since she’s not able to buy gifts for Annie.
“As her mom, who can’t buy her any of these things, it helps alleviate some of my grief and the extreme loss that I feel all the time. So, the ability to help these families, just heals my hurting heart enough to make it through the next birthday party.”
Members of the community are welcome to attend the event whether they are donating or not.
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Transforming personal grief into a force for good, the Olsen family honors the memory of their daughter, Annie Rae Olsen, by collecting gifts for local children in need. Their geometry dash initiative, aligned with what would have been Annie’s third birthday, not only commemorates her life but also brings joy to other families, particularly newcomers and those facing hardships.