Calgary Transit

Information for Calgary Transit Employees

Welcome and thank you for being apart of Christmas 2024. This has been a difficult year for so many, and we are so grateful for you all to come together bringing Christmas spirit to Calgarians. On this page,  you will have all of the important information you need to know to be a successful CT Magic of Christmas Driver (Sleigh Driver or Shuttle Operator). Bookmark this page and check it out frequently. https://themagicofchristmas.org/calgary-transit/

Who is The Magic of Christmas?

From our humble beginning in 1983, The Magic of Christmas has grown to a volunteer family of 6,000+ Santas and elves. Learn more about the following on the About Us page:

  • Who we visit
  • How we do it
  • How we started

2023 was yet another successful year in the book of the Magic of Christmas – we visited a record-breaking 863 families. Our mission is to deliver Christmas cheer to families in our community who need a little help at Christmas time. We believe it is especially important to keep our traditions. Check out some of our amazing giving umbers in our Impact Report.

How can you help?

First of all, thank you for your generosity to be part of the Magic. We have several volunteer positions when you are able to donation 6-8 hours of your time in the morning or the afternoon shift on Christmas Eve. Click HERE take a moment to read through this year’s Calgary Transit employee-specific positions.

Each shift lasts approximately 6-8 hours:
– Morning shift starts between 6AM and 10AM at Spring Garden and finishes at The Magic of Christmas warehouse.
– Afternoon shift starts between 12:30PM and 4:40PM at The Magic of Christmas warehouse and finishes at SG.

Please give a call to the Senior Dispatcher @ 403-537-7849 and do a Book Off or Work Trade. The earlier you call the dispatcher, the better for them to arrange the schedule.

We created and collected some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for you. Click HERE to sign up today!

IF FOR ANY REASON YOU CAN NOT MAKE YOUR SHIFT, OR IF YOU MIGHT BE LATE FOR YOUR SHIFT, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE PLEASE
EMAIL BRIAN (blorfing@themagicofchristmas.org).  If you are currently on the S&A list, you MUST be off it by 23:00 or you CAN NOT DRIVE.

Magic of Christmas Warehouse: Bay #32, 4216 54 Ave SE
Click HERE to view the Reindeer Landing Zone map.
*IF YOU HAVE AN INCIDENT OR BUS IS STUCK, CALL CT CONTROL FIRST*

ATTIRE

The dress code for a Calgary Transit driver volunteer includes the following:
  • Must wear CT issued or approved non-slip footwear
  • Do not try to dress like an Elf or Santa. The Santa & Elves have their designated costumes
  • “Festive” Attire is highly encourage such as Christmas or holiday sweaters, Santa & Elf hats, reindeer ears, etc. If you don’t have any of those things, think about what you would wear to a Christmas dinner or party
  • Wear something comfortable, but remember you are still representing Calgary Transit and The Magic of Christmas
  • Facial covering is mandatory while on the bus
  • Do not wear anything that may restrict or impair your ability to drive
  • A smile looks great on everyone.

SAFETY

  • You are a volunteer, and you are permitted to drive to places that buses don’t normally drive to. Please work closely with your CEO to plan your routes. Make sure if you don’t think you can safely get your bus into/onto a particular street, park as close as you can. Santa & their Elves can walk to the house if necessary. This year, The Magic of Christmas will provide sleds for each bus. You are permitted to drive your bus (if safe) into parking lots for your Elves and Santa to take a bathroom break.
  • While on shift, the bus is still YOUR bus. If you are not comfortable taking certain roads or parking in difficult (aka “high risk of getting bus stuck”) locations, you are responsible for working with the CEO to make a reasonable alternative parking spot.
  • Your bus at ALL TIMES MUST have at least one responsible ADULT on it, to protect the bus and all of the gifts/donations on it.