Mz Rhonda is quite proud of her commitment to provide Calgary’s children with toys each year when Christmas rolls around. When she was Empress of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch she went to San Diego and spent some time with their Court. They had a toy drive running while she was there, and was so moved that she decided to bring the idea back to Calgary. Mz Rhonda declared that she would ensure Crowns For Kids continued until her dying day, and ever since it has truly been her baby. She puts all her heart into organizing the event and donates her time to delivering the toys and hampers that it brings in. Any printing to promote Crowns For Kids is paid out her own pocket, a fee that has never bothered her.
Just knowing that these children will be crowned with smiles because of her efforts is more than enough of a reward. Of course she gets a lot of recognition within the community, and has been able to get support from many of the bars and stores. This year the kick off event was held at Twisted Element, where a box will be set up at the front door until December 22nd and you are welcome to drop off an unwrapped toy at any time. PRIAPE and the Eagle also have these boxes set up. “If anyone else wants a box they only need to call me and I’ll arrange to have one delivered,” Mz Rhonda was happy to explain.
Of course they also raise a lot of money during this time, all of which goes to buying more toys and providing food hampers as well. At the kick off held on Saturday, November 25th they raised fourteen hundred dollars, some of those dollars coming all the way from Edmonton! The target this year is ten thousand, something Mz Rhonda is pleased to say has been nearly attained in the past. “We have gotten as much as eight or nine thousand in the past few years.” The money was raised through several means including donations from the bars, 50/50 ticket sales and silent auctions. Several businesses have also provided support either by donating items for sale in the silent auctions, or by donating money directly. Mz Rhonda specifically wanted to thank Arc Resources for their support this year, as well as Mark’s Work Wearhouse and Second Cup.
If you missed the kick off don’t fret! There are still a lot of opportunities for you to donate to this worthy cause. Mz Rhonda runs a special fundraising aspect just for teenagers. From now until the 17th you can purchase a Star for one dollar at the Texas Lounge. The Stars are sold at the bar and all the proceeds go to Ave 15 and the Side Door, two local shelters for teenagers. She invites you to come out on Saturday the 9th to purchase your Star and partake in the Texas Lounge Karaoke. Her thanks go out to anyone who donates, and she would like to send her gratitude to the bars for their incredible support in this tradition of giving.
Mz Rhonda’s Crowns for Kids
Toys Donations Boxes at:
Calgary Eagle, Priape, and Twisted Element

Mz Rhonda can be reached at:
(403) 283-8815