In 1955, Jerry Forbes, the long-time general manager of 630 CHED, asked a simple question:

Wouldn’t it be great if there would be no needy kids…and every kid had a present…not a used present…with wheels stuck on and repainted…but a brand new present?

One year later, Jerry personally helped deliver toys to 600 less fortunate children across the city and 630 CHED Santas Anonymous – a pure, heart-warming and uniquely Edmonton organization – was born.

While Jerry’s mission was simple – ensure that every child experience the magic of Christmas – his vision was far more profound; it was a vision of individuals coming together in the spirit of community. Over years later, Jerry’s legacy thrives every time a 630 CHED Santas Anonymous volunteer delivers a new, wrapped gift to the doorstep of a family in need.

For his contributions to Santas Anonymous and for his influence in our City and community, it is most fitting that Jerry Forbes be permanently honoured and recognized through the Jerry Forbes Centre Foundation which spearheads the Centre for Community Spirit project in his memory.

For a little more on Jerry, you can find some of his writing and broadcasts here.