A Saskatchewan man is spending Christmas Eve playing Santa Claus with his two daughters as helper elves, delivering gifts to strangers in need who sought help online.
“I saw an ad on Kijiji last night and kind of was touched by it,” Bobby Byrnell told CTV Regina on Sunday.
The ad on the popular classifieds site was posted by Janine Goodyear, who was seeking assistance this holiday season.
“I posted it about a few weeks ago because we’re having a rough time trying to keep up with bills,” she told CTV Regina. “And I felt… the best way to reach out to someone was to post an ad.”
When Byrnell saw the ad on Saturday, he knew he had to do something.
“It’s pretty sad to see some kids go without some presents,” he said. “So I reached out to a close friend of mine… and he was willing to make this all happen.”
So, with his children at his side, Byrnell visited Goodyear’s family on Sunday with gifts in tow, taking time out of a busy Christmas Eve schedule to give back.
“First I thought, ‘This can’t be,’” Goodyear said of when Byrnell reached out on Saturday. “It’s the day before Christmas Eve, so you don’t expect anything at that point. I was anxious but I was so excited, because to know there’s people in the community that still care is so important.”
The Goodyears, however, aren’t the only family receiving gifts from the Byrnells -- several more in the Regina area have also posted ads looking for holiday help.
“I’m going to see another family later this afternoon,” Byrnell said. “And then I’m going to head over to Moose Jaw and see another woman in need there.”
For Goodyear, the gesture meant so much more than the gifts that are now sitting under her Christmas tree.
“It just gives you hope for today that there’s still good people out there and people who are willing to help,” she said. “And you know, hopefully next year we’re in a position that we can do this for someone else.”
With a report from CTV Regina’s Gina Martin
