Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 07/05) - To make Christmas a day to remember for Yellowknife children, the Royal Canadian Legion has set up a "Happy Tree" at the Centre Square Mall.

Lorne Power, Legion manager, says the idea is for people to place gifts under the tree for the Salvation Army to distribute to children under the age of 12.

"We've been using the Happy Tree in Newfoundland for a number of years and it has been very successful there," Power said.

"I hope that the idea will be successful here in Yellowknife as well."

Power asked that the gifts be dropped off unwrapped . They will be collected and delivered after Dec. 20.

"We're suggesting to the public that if you are going to the mall or out shopping, pick up an extra gift for about $10.

"It's not a whole lot, but it will make sure the children at least will have something at Christmas," Power said.

Power said that at Christmas, the Legion donates $5,000 to the Red Shield Appeal and $5,000 to the Salvation Army's food hamper program. Major Bob MacKenzie of the Salvation Army said it will not see people go without, if it can help it.

"The more toys we get, the more we can distribute," MacKenzie said.

The Salvation Army is also conducting a mail campaign seeking donations from the community, he added.