Bekah Olsen announces the launch of the third annual Annie Effect toy drive. (Photo: Lethbridge Family Services)

By David Opinko

‘Annie Effect’ collecting gifts for Lethbridge-area toddlers

Jun 5, 2025 | 9:23 AM

A Lethbridge family is once again turning their tragedy into an opportunity to do good in their community.

Bekah Olsen, in partnership with Lethbridge Family Services (LFS), has launched the third annual “Annie Effect” toy drive.

June 20, 2025, would have been the third birthday of Olsen’s daughter, Annie. She passed away in her sleep on October 6, 2022, at just 3.5 months old.

She is encouraging people to donate items that would have brought Annie joy on her special day by donating gifts that are suitable for a three-year-old.

“As we approach the third anniversary of the passing of our sweet baby Annie, we are reaching out to the community to join us in honouring her memory and the memory of children gone too soon,” says Olsen.

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The donated gifts will support LFS’s newcomer families and the Angel Tree campaign, which provides gifts to children at Christmas.

Gifts can be dropped off at the LFS office on weekdays from June 7-19, 2025, at 1107 2A Avenue North.

The family is also hosting a Celebration for Annie at 6:00 p.m. on June 20 at Coulee Creek Park. Donations are optional.

Learn more about the Angel Tree campaign at LFSFamily.ca

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