Sat, Dec 12 2009 - West Ed Waterpark / Galaxyland Adventure #3 ~ Operation Christmas Rescue~ (View Original Event Details)
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CHRISTMAS RESCUED!!
After getting stuck in the North Pole last weekend due to some nasty weather conditions, Santa finally reached Calgary on Saturday where he had successfully recruited 51 elves for Operation Christmas Rescue! As the elves arrived at the sleigh pool they were greeted by Ol’ Saint Nick himself who promptly sat each one of them on his knee for a quick photo op. With the big sleigh slowly beginning to fill, calls started coming in from several frantic elves that were stranded at various C Train stations due to an unexpected service interruption. Fortunately, while Santa was still in the process of organizing a rescue plan, service resumed and the elves were back on their way. After a good 15 minute delay and one elf still unaccounted for, Santa made the difficult decision to proceed without him. As Rudolph and the rest of the reindeer reluctantly pulled the sleigh towards Memorial Drive a Christmas miracle was about to take place. There in the distance, Santa spotted an object moving with great speed towards the sleigh! Could it be? Was it possible? Yes! It was indeed our missing little elf, Fernando and as the sleigh pulled over to pick him up, the elves cheered as Santa jumped out to greet him. We were so happy he made it.
Next, we made a quick pit stop to pick up Marvin who had just returned in the “nick” of time from pulling an all night shift on the polar express. He was delivering supplies to one of Santa’s workshops in northern Alberta and wasn’t sure if he would make it back in time but thankfully he did! It was our 2nd Christmas miracle of the morning and we hadn’t even left Calgary yet! With everyone now on board (except Rob M who we picked up along the way at the Didsbury satellite workshop) we were finally ready to hit the Deerfoot and begin our fun filled journey northward.
The party began almost immediately with Santa handing out Christmas stockings to all 51 elves on board. Inside each was a Christmas orange, assortment of chocolates, BP discount cards, Sport Rent coupon, gingerbread man, carmel popcorn, rice krispie square, candy cane, West Edmonton Mall Directory, Waterpark/GalaxyLand voucher and a playing card for use in the gift draws. After the stockings were distributed everyone was asked to pull out their directory and search for our meeting spot which was identified by a Santa sticker in all but one of the directories. The lucky elf whose directory contained a Christmas tree sticker as opposed to Santa sticker, won a $25 Smitty’s gift card!
Soon after the stockings were opened, Santa broke out the egg nog and Mrs. Claus began passing out her delicious homemade butter tarts. As usual the food and drink were well received and much appreciated. Santa also surprised Brent, Brian and Kathy who were all celebrating recent birthdays along with Chirag who was celebrating his 100th COC event, with some yummy chocolate cake. The elves did a great job singing Happy Birthday but were out done by Cheryl who followed it up with her own spicy rendition that made even Santa blush! Nice work Cheryl. lol While the elves enjoyed their treats Santa proceeded with the gift giving by drawing cards to determine the lucky recipients. If an elf was holding the exact same card as Santa, he or she would win a gift. Gifts ranged from Cineplex movie passes, various gift cards and gingerbread house kits to Olympic water bottles, glasses, mittens, camping tarp and MEC backpack. Over half of the elves went home with a gift!
When we reached Red Deer, Santa pulled his sleigh over for a nice group photo session. Despite the chilly temperatures it was a good opportunity for a quick stretch and bathroom break. The group photos of Santa and his elves look fantastic with the freshly fallen snow covered trees in the background. I was really happy we stopped there.
Within a few minutes we were all back on board and it wasn’t long before Mrs. Claus (Fluffy) began passing out her world famous Jell-O shooters which are always a big hit on these trips. It was also around this time that Santa challenged the elves to complete his Christmas crossword puzzle. The elves were paired up and competed as teams of two. The fastest and second fastest pair to complete the crossword received a gift. Lorraine & John finished the puzzle in record time (some elves are still complaining it was rigged) and Laura & Jen came in 2nd! Well done guys! With so much going on, we found ourselves on the outskirts of Edmonton in no time and Santa had to speed things up to get all the remaining gifts drawn.
We pulled into West Edmonton Mall shortly after 12:30pm and most of the hungry little elves bolted straight for the food court. From there everyone slowly broke up into smaller groups and headed off to do their own thing. Some went shopping while others made their way to Galaxyland but the majority couldn’t wait to let loose in the giant Waterpark. Santa made his way over to Galaxyland to snap a few photos of Fluffy, Marvin, Rhonda and Dave the only elves brave enough to take on the mighty Mindbender and Space Shot! They had a blast on the rides although Fluffy looked a tad bit nervous at times. lol Over at the Waterpark Santa threw on his swimming trunks and with camera in hand made his way from slide to slide snapping photos of his little elves wherever he could. This was clearly the highlight of the trip for most and a great time was had by all!
Just after 7:00pm after a full afternoon of fun it was time to regroup and head across the street to BP’s for dinner. As we made our way over, Santa was informed that one of his little elves (Michelle H) had sprained her ankle in the waterpark and Chirag had stayed behind to assist her. Staff offered them a wheelchair but unfortunately would not allow them to take it off mall property so the quick thinking Chiraginator transported her to the restaurant via a shopping cart. It was quite the sight when they finally arrived at BP’s. Thanks to Chirags’ unparalleled heroism, he has been offered a permanent position as chief first aider on all future trips. Congratulations Chirag!
Once we were all seated we received fast, friendly and efficient service from the great staff at BP’s. The food was tasty and all 52 of us received what we pre-ordered. Overall I was once again very pleased with Boston Pizza and their efforts to provide us with a very satisfying dining experience. I must admit however, my appetite wasn’t as strong as usual thanks in large part to my decision to purchase a large bucket of Baskin Robbins peanut butter & chocolate ice cream moments before heading for dinner. Unfortunately someone suggested I leave it outside behind the restaurant in a snowbank to keep it cold over dinner and you guessed it....it's still there! ARGH!
Just after 9:00pm we all boarded the sleigh for our return trip to Calgary. As we pulled away, Lorraine, on behalf of the group presented me a very thoughtful Thank You card containing a generous BP gift certificate. The comments on the card meant a great deal to me so thanks everyone for that. Moments later we all snuggled in to enjoy a double feature movie presentation that would keep us entertained all the way home. ELF, of course, was the opener followed by everyone’s favourite Christmas classic, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!”
We arrived back at Franklin station in Calgary around 12:30am where we were greeted by at least 4 cars that would not start. Fortunately with the kind of people we have in the COC this proved to be nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Despite frigid temperatures and fatigue from a very long day there were no shortage of volunteers to assist those in need and when it was all said and done, we got them all started and everyone home safely. What a day, great work gang!
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
All of You: for the thoughtful thank-you card and BP gift certificate
To those who braved the weather on December 5th to make it to the car pool only to be turned away. I know how frustrating that was and I sincerely appreciated your understanding. The positive attitude you all displayed went a long way in keeping my spirits up.
To those who were forced to withdraw from this event after it was postponed. I didn’t get one email asking for a refund. You guys were all so understanding and encouraging. Thank you so much for that. The good news is you will be getting the majority of your money back this week. Watch your email for details.
Chris (a.k.a Fluffy), for all that you did behind the scenes to help make this event so much fun including preparing your world famous Jell-O shooters and butter tarts!!
Lois, for the hours you spent putting together so many treats for the elves to enjoy including: rice krispie squares, gingerbread men and caramel popcorn.
Lorraine, Giovanni, Amanda, Brian, Fluffy, Ivan and Chris Scutchings for doing a FANTASTIC job decorating the bus in minutes!
Boston Pizza Management & Staff for once again providing fantastic service with a smile!
TRAXX Coach Lines for being so helpful and accommodating in rescheduling a bus and hotel room for the driver on such short notice after I was forced to cancel the week prior due to poor weather conditions.
The Costume Shoppe for being so understanding and not charging me for a second rental on the Santa suit after our trip was postponed a week earlier.
Lorraine & Fluffy for handling the flood of incoming calls from stranded attendees waiting at C Train stations this morning.
Len, our driver for being so flexible with our itinerary, making extra stops, taking our group photo in Red Deer and getting us home safe and sound.
Rhonda Scheurer, for making this event possible in the first place! The number of lives you have touched through the creation of this club are too numerous to count.
Kent, who was attending his very first COC event, yet was the last to leave, staying until the bitter end to get that one final stubborn car started! Thanks again Kent!
Ken, who did not attend this event but willingly volunteered to pick up the Santa suit not once but twice in crappy weather conditions. He also provided two large coolers to store the egg nog in.
Boston Pizza (Southport Rd location in Calgary) for providing discount cards for every stocking
Sports Rent for providing coupons for every stocking.
MEC for donating 3 items for door prizes.
Thanks for helping me not only rescue Christmas, but this event as well! LOL
Please be sure to take a few moments and enjoy the many, many photos posted in the attached photo album. Don't forget to add your comments!!
Duane