MyCityCare Taber launch Shop of Wonders program

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

MyCityCare Taber’s 2025 Shop of Wonders program will run from now to December 19 and be located at 5130 47 Avenue.

“Shop of Wonders exists to ensure every child in the Taber area experiences a joyful, dignified Christmas,” said Alex Hladun, director for MyCityCare Taber. “Many families face financial stress during the holidays, and our goal is to create a space where parents can choose gifts for their children with pride—at no cost—while also receiving support, warmth, and hope during a difficult season.”

Hladun said that Shop of Wonders began as an initiative through MyCityCare to meet an increasing need among families who were struggling during the holidays, and the Taber chapter launched after they saw first hand how many families were falling through the cracks. 

“Since then, the program has grown dramatically and has become one of the most impactful Christmas outreaches in our region,” said Hladun. “In recent years, Shop of Wonders has consistently supported several hundred children annually, and the need continues to grow each year. This year we aim to support approximately 350–400 children across the 125+ families in the Taber, Barnwell, and surrounding areas. The program is open to families in Taber, Barnwell, and the surrounding MD who are experiencing financial strain or personal hardship. We serve single-parent families, low-income households, newcomers, and anyone who needs extra support during the holidays.”

The program, Hladun said, is funded through a combination of community donations, local business partnerships, individual sponsors, and fundraising efforts through MyCityCare. Every dollar and donated item stays local and directly supports families in the Taber region.

The program, Hladun also said, has become one of the most impactful Christmas outreaches in the region.

Hladun said that registration is available online through MyCityCare Taber, or families can call the office at (403) 394-5912 directly for assistance. 

“Once registered, families will receive appointment details and instructions for a private shopping appointment,” said Hladun. “When they arrive, they’re welcomed by volunteers and guided through a beautifully curated “store” where they can choose age-appropriate gifts, stocking stuffers, winter wear, books, and family items. Everything is new, wrapped if desired, and completely free of charge. Our focus is dignity, choice, and restoring the joy of Christmas for families.”

Volunteers, Hladun said, are ‘the heart’ of Shop of Wonders, and are needed to help with setup, decorating, personal shoppers, stocking shelves, wrapping gifts, and teardown. Those who want to volunteer can sign up through the volunteer form on the MyCityCare website or contact MyCityCare directly.

Donations are also ‘essential’ to keep the program running, Hladun went on to say, and the program accepts new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0–17, winter wear, books, stocking stuffers, and financial contributions, and items can be dropped off at designated donation locations throughout Taber, or donors can give financially online to help us purchase high-need items.

The response to the call for donations and volunteers has been overwhelmingly positive, Hladun stated. 

“Local businesses, service clubs, sports teams, churches, and individual families rally around Shop of Wonders every year,” said Hladun. “Taber has shown incredible generosity and has truly made the program what it is today. Shop of Wonders is one of the programs we are most proud of. Every year we see the relief, gratitude, and emotion from parents who simply want to give their children a magical Christmas. Being able to play a small part in helping families feel seen and supported is incredibly meaningful for our entire team. We’re always blown away by how this community shows up for one another. Shop of Wonders is more than a Christmas program. It’s a reminder that hope is alive in Taber, and that together we can make the holidays brighter for every child.”