In its 14th year, the Red Express has arrived again, this time with toys for 114 kids in our early education programs. This is more than a giveback for organizers — it’s an unshakeable bond with CUPS.

Now a legacy event, this program has provided presents for nearly 1,500 kids. Alongside this year’s gifts from Castle Toys, each family will receive a $100 gift card and waffle mix from Buttermilk Fine Waffles.

Tyler Chisholm, CEO of clearmotive marketing, and his wife Fionna arrived at CUPS on Dec. 15 with wrapped gifts provided by their team and their supportive donors, customers and vendors.

A show of youthful exuberance and gratitude, the kids, supported by CUPS’ Child Development Centre (CDC), performed to holiday songs for our guests. Each child was over the moon to receive a gift.

The toys are high quality, educational and well-built, offering resiliency for years to come.

Chisholm learned about CUPS through a friend years ago and then met Carlene Donnelly, our executive director. He’s always found it important that the CDC doesn’t ‘give you a fish, they teach you to fish.’

With the right ecosystem, nurturing support and care continuum, Chisholm said CUPS helps families in the here and now and as the kids grow and, one day, have their own children.

“It’s making Calgary a better place by starting at the root of opportunity — with children when they’re young — using a very scientific approach,” he said. “That resonated with me and still does to this day.”

“When you really learn, understand and connect with CUPS, it’s an organization full of amazing humans doing awesome things,” Chisholm said, noting his excitement if his message teaches others about CUPS.

Chisholm said he once took Christmas gifts for granted in his youth. However, it wasn’t long after that he realized not everyone has the means to give. His experience was different from that of others.

Over the years, he said he’s seen the hard work CUPS does to check the other boxes — providing a roof over peoples’ heads and access to food etc. — and knows his giveback is helping to bring Christmas joy.

“That’s why we’ve never stopped — it’s not an option,” he said, calling the program ‘personal.’

Something special happens when parents or guardians can give their child a gift. Being able to help facilitate this parental-child connection is an important aspect of the Red Express program.

However difficult it may be, the kids are asked to wait to open their gifts until the big day.

Chisholm said he can relive the same joy he felt as a child. Now, to share that feeling with others in the Calgary community is something he’ll never forget.

“To be able to do that for people and their families, I love it,” he said.