It’s a family tradition that’s quickly turning into a community tradition.

For the third straight year, A Natural Wellness Chiropractic Centre in Wolseley is looking for new pairs of pyjamas, from sizes two to 12, that it plans on donating to needy children across the city.

"What does a cozy pair of pyjamas conjure up to you?" said Suzanne Stitt, the Linden Ridge resident who began the drive.

"For me, it’s the feeling of family, good times, warmth and togetherness. Unfortunately a lot of children in our city don’t have that. If we can give them a little touch of coziness throughout Christmas, maybe we can help them in a little teeny way."

The organization is hoping to collect more than 300 pairs of pyjamas which will be given to the United Way and distributed to youth agencies. The drive collected 150 pairs in its first year, and more than 200 last year.

Stitt is inviting local groups and businesses to join the drive and compete for a Boston Pizza office dinner prize that will go to the organization that donates the most. Organizations are welcome to join at any time, Stitt said.

Receiving a new pair of pyjamas has been an annual Christmas Eve tradition for Stitt, a mother of four boys, and her family.

"Growing up, we would have (a family) Christmas Eve party at our house and had Santa come to our house and burst through the door. Every year he brought them a new pair of pyjamas," she said, noting nieces and nephews were included in the tradition as they were born.

"That’s how I got my kids to go to bed on Christmas Eve. We’re not in that position anymore, but in a position to bring this to other families."

Anyone making a cash donation to the drive will receive a tax receipt through the United Way, Stitt added. Cash donations will go to purchasing more pyjamas to add to the pile.

A Natural Wellness Chiropractic Centre, located at 104-912 Portage Ave., is accepting donations until Dec. 20.

Donations can also be dropped off at Pacific Motors at 5275 Portage Ave. in Headingley.
For more information, call 204-783-1880.

matt.preprost@canstarnews.com

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