Our story.

The Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund is a charitable organization serving Southeast Alberta. We support children, families, and individuals in need during the holiday season.

Our organization was established in 1986 by the Medicine Hat News. The organization saw a need in our community during the holiday season, and they wanted to assist. Now, 38 years later, we can say we’ve helped 10,000s of families in our community which warms our hearts.

OUR MISSION

The Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund brings the spirit of community and message of hope to children and families in need.

OUR VISION

The Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund is well recognized as the go-to organization for providing the “Spirit of Giving” to all children and families.

Our organization is 100% funded by sponsors. We have one employee, our fine Executive Director, and other than that we are dependant on the amazing volunteers that come out year after year to assist families in need.

Meet our Team

Mike Hertz

Memorial
In memory of Mike Hertz, long-term Board Member of the Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund. Mike was a dedicated volunteer and board member for 25 years. He enjoyed the opportunity to be active in making decisions on how to give local families, especially children, a better Christmas as well as helping people throughout the year. Mike’s commitment and passion for our organization will be missed for years to come.
Deanna Doerksen

Executive Director
I believe that I truly have the best job in the world! Not only do I get to work alongside our many wonderful volunteers, but I also have the privilege of surrounding myself with our many generous community contributors and best of all assist in making Christmas brighter for many local children and families. Christmas is my favourite holiday, and there is no better feeling in the world than waking up on Christmas morning and knowing that together we’ve played a small part in ensuring that those less fortunate in our community have experienced the true “Spirit of Giving.”
Theresa Hardiker

Board Member
Theresa has been involved with the Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund for many years. She feels she is privileged to work with an amazing board, exceptional volunteers, and dedicated fundraisers that ensure children in our community enjoy the true Spirit of Giving.
Kerri Sandford

Board Member
Kerri has been involved with the Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund for nearly 18 years. Each season the dedication of the board, the hundreds of volunteers and the generosity of the donors continue to amaze her. She believes they are a community working together to make the Christmas season brighter for children and their families.
Cassie Donnelly

Board Member
Cassie is a new member of the board. After spending more than a dozen years promoting various Santa Claus Fund events like the Toy Run on 105.3 ROCK, she’s excited to get more involved with the organization. Cassie loves the community spirit behind the Santa Claus Fund and knows how it ensures that every family can experience the magic of Christmas.
Jason Hertz

Board Member
Jason joined the Board in 2019. He is very grateful to be able to be involved with a local organization like the Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund that does so much for families in need at Christmas. He appreciates that all monies raised stay in our local area. He remembers helping his late father Mike with delivering hampers and was touched by how much it means to so many people locally. He says he is honoured to have the privilege to serve on the board and looks forward to many years serving our community.
Amber Beierbach

Board Member
Amber loves to ensure that not only her children but all children in the community get to experience the full spirit of the holiday. That’s what she loves the most about the Santa Claus Fund, knowing that thanks to the generosity of wonderful people, families and kids in our community get to celebrate the holidays despite the frustrations that life may bring..
Destinee Mattson

Board Member
Destinee started volunteering on Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund Board after many years of being employed at Medicine Hat News. After just a short period of time, she realized she wanted to be involved with the outstanding, selfless group of members and volunteers.
Matt Toews

Board Member
Ryan Dahlman

Board Member
Megan Orenstein

Board Member