Sunday’s 49th annual Calgary Firefighters Toy Association’s Christmas Party at the Stampede Corral brought smiles to the faces of approximately 1,800 families in need.

The event has grown considerably from its humble beginnings. In 1967, 50 toys were distributed. This year’s party saw more than 4,000 gifts handed out to children 12 and under.

The wrapping of the gifts proved to be a massive undertaking and volunteers began tying bows back in September.

The Calgary Firefighters Toy Association grew from the efforts of firefighters who repaired damaged toys for needy children nearly half a century ago.

“They used to fix skates, sleighs, anything that was made out of wood or metal, the firemen would fix it, polish it, paint it, and then we'd give those things out,” explained retired firefighter Brady Tattersal. “With the invention of plastics, we couldn't do this anymore, you can't fix plastic.”

The families were also served lunch and treated to a number of performances including a visit from Santa Claus who arrived in a vintage fire truck.