“I Choose Joy”

A few years ago, the Crapo family decided in lieu of exchanging gifts, they would donate Christmas funds to a different charity each year. Spread throughout Alberta, the family has always been “community conscientious” and has taken this task to heart in a big way.

Christmas 2021 was Cassie Paul’s turn to select the charity of choice and spearhead the project. Inspired and motivated by the family’s connection with “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”, the Covid pandemic, and her recent project work focusing on mental health, she knew she wanted to direct their funds to an organization focusing on mental health.

Cassie thought the Medicine Hat Health Foundation’s “Giving Hope for Mental Health” campaign would be a great fit. She reached out to the foundation for a list of needs, and with this in hand Cassie and her 3 children got busy shopping and contacting local companies for assistance.

“This year of all years, mental health for all of us has taken a toll. I decided spreading joy at our hospital to those struggling the most was the best cause possible. I wanted the patients to know that no matter their circumstances they deserved some Christmas joy. It’s so nice to see how this type of giving can be contagious and truly feels great! I believe in the Power of one- one idea – one donation, one goal can really make a difference.”

With the unexpected passing of Cassie’s grandmother, Roselynn Easter, in December 2021, the donation was made in her memory. Roselynn devoted 40 years to nursing, and her most recent mantra had been to “choose joy” and she passed to her family the lesson that it is better to give than receive.


This Christmas donation bonded their family together more than ever, with technology helping the family visit and plan from across the province – from Edmonton to Medicine Hat.

A truckload of almost $1,000 worth of needed items was delivered to the inpatient psychiatric unit and pediatric department at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. The donation included hygiene items, crafts, toys, fuzzy socks and journals for kids. Cassie and the foundation would like to thank the local businesses who supported her in this effort!

The Health Foundation and the departments who received these gifts thank the Crapo family for their Christmas donation, and for the impact of their gifts for the patients.