In all, the program found donors, both companies and individuals, for 160 families ranging from two to eight family members.

Donors are provided with the names, ages and wish lists for their families, along with important information like clothing sizes — and then the shopping begins. Gift certificates to grocery stores are always a welcome item.

Of course, for many families, the need doesn’t stop after Christmas. And neither do the efforts of the Kinettes. A few of the other charities they support include the YWCA, Calgary Health Trust, Safe Haven Foundation, Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Wellspring, and Dreams Take Flight.

So who are these Kinettes? People just like you. They’re a group of caring Calgary women dedicated to serving the community, and they’ve been doing so since 1948. There’s no age, religious or occupational restrictions, if you’re over 18 years old and looking for a little bit of fun and female fellowship — while helping others less fortunate — this is where you’ll find it.