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REPULSE BAY - The Edmonton Lions Club sent a little extra Christmas cheer to kids in Repulse Bay once again this past holiday season.

The City of Champions club has been sending gifts to Repulse kids for the past 15 years.

Santa Claus proudly displays the gift he received from Tusarvik student Tiffany Nimiqtaqtut while in Repulse Bay to deliver gifts from the Edmonton Lions Club this past month. - photo courtesy of Leonie Aissaoui

The Lions also award two annual $1,000 scholarships to graduates of Tusarvik school who continue on to college or university.

The gifts arrived well before Christmas this year, totalling about 400.

There were even a number sent along for babies expected to be born in December and January.

Tusarvik school principal Leonie Aissaoui said every student, as well as every child in the community not yet old enough to attend, received a gift.

She said Santa came again this year on the last day of school before the Christmas break to deliver the students' gifts, and returned during the holidays to present gifts to all the younger kids in the hamlet.

"Our students always do something to express their gratitude to the Edmonton Lions Club," said Aissaoui.

"Some classes write a group letter, while others prefer to make a card and have everyone sign it.

"We've also sent a number of gifts in return, such as a wall hanging, a Naujat jacket and a local carving.

"Vice-principal Jeremy Chippett videotaped the kids opening their gifts this year, as well as scenes from around town so the Lions can see what Repulse looks like."

Aissaoui said Edmonton Lions Club president Rick Jackman has been extremely generous to Repulse kids over the years.

She said she hopes Jackman might be able to visit Repulse sometime this year.

"I'm seriously thinking about retiring this year and it would be so nice if Rick could visit Repulse before I do.

"He's been talking about it for a number of years, so hopefully this will be the year he comes.

"I had two locally-made kayaks in my home, so I sent one down to him with a teacher and her fiance who visited Edmonton recently.

"But it would be nice for the community to get a chance to thank him in person if he decides to visit this year."