Dr. George Johnson Middle School students deliver their shoeboxes yesterday.

With lights flashing and sirens blaring, Interlake paramedics teamed up with the Gimli RCMP detachment to kick off the 14th season of Operation Christmas Child.

It’s a mission that will touch the lives of millions of underprivileged children around the world. Schools and daycares across the province filled shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies, hygiene items and small gifts.

This year’s event was a huge success with more than 250 shoeboxes gathered at three schools in Gimli yesterday. Gimli paramedic Kathy Hemmerling was overwhelmed with the response. “I’m so proud of the way the community has responded. This is such an emotional day for all of us,” she said.

John Coward