Meet Nick O’Carroll, the Yukon’s Head Elf
From managing volunteers to delivering the spirit of Christmas, Nick O’Carroll is at the heart of one of the Yukon’s most cherished holiday traditions. You could call him “Santa’s Logistics Expert,” but Nick O’Carroll prefers the title “Head Elf.”
Nick’s connection to the community runs deep as a firefighter and former Northwestel technician. In his role with the Whitehorse Firefighters Charitable Society (WFCS), Nick leads the “Share the Spirit” campaign, a Yukon-wide initiative spreading holiday cheer to families in need. “My main job,” he says, “is trying to manage the whole thing—it’s fun because no two days are ever the same!”
And yes, his last name often sparks curiosity during the holidays. “You know, it’s funny—I never even made that connection until we took over the Share the Spirit campaign in 2016,” Nick recalls with a laugh. “Someone pointed out, ‘Your last name is O’Carroll—like a Christmas carol!’ It’s just a quirky coincidence, but it adds some extra magic to the season.”
The origins of WFCS and Share the Spirit
The Whitehorse Firefighters Charitable Society (WFCS) was founded in 2014 to bring focus and structure to the charitable efforts of local firefighters. “As first responders, we’re often the first on the scene during tragedies like house fires,” Nick explains. “We see firsthand what families are going through, and many of us felt a natural pull to help beyond just responding to emergencies. It’s a way to support others and process some of the emotions of the job.”
Over time, charitable work also became a way to address the mental health challenges first responders face, especially after difficult calls without closure. “That’s why so many fire departments worldwide are getting more involved in community initiatives—it helps us heal, too.” WFCS was created to centralize these efforts, with a mandate to support children and families in need, allowing the team to have a lasting positive impact on the community.
In 2016, the Kinnettes Club, who had been leading the Share the Spirit campaign for nearly 16 years, announced they could no longer continue running it. As WFCS secretary then, Nick brought the news to the executive director, who was already familiar with the program and had sponsored kids for over a decade.
Stepping in to take over the campaign aligned perfectly with WFCS’s mission. “At the time, it felt way out of our wheelhouse,” Nick admits. “But I thought, ‘This is bigger than us, and we’ll rise to the challenge.’”
What began as an ambitious undertaking has since grown into a territory-wide initiative, with WFCS delivering gifts and food hampers to families across the Yukon, ensuring no one is left behind during the holidays.
A territory-wide effort
The Share the Spirit campaign touches nearly every corner of the Yukon today, but it wasn’t always this way. The program’s first major step outside Whitehorse was Dawson City. This expansion set the tone for how the campaign would grow across the territory, creating a model of collaboration and trust that paved the way for other communities to join.
The logistics of such a large-scale effort are no small feat. “We’ve got support folks right across the territory,” Nick shares, “from RCMP in Old Crow to Paramedics in Faro.”
Nick highlights the critical role of trust in making the program successful. “For us to operate and do our job properly, there must be trust with the people we’re dealing with. If our team doesn’t have empathy or understanding, they won’t perform at the level we want them to.”
Expanding to new communities requires thoughtful and respectful collaboration. “If Dawson was against it or if we upset them, I don’t think any of the other communities would have followed through,” Nick explains.
By working closely with local groups, WFCS built trust and empowered communities to take ownership of the initiative, ensuring that Share the Spirit truly belongs to the people it serves.
Moments that matter
Nick treasures the stories that remind him why this work is so meaningful. One unforgettable moment came when inmates at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre donated $3,000 to the campaign. “It was led by inmates from Old Crow,” he says. “They convinced all the other inmates to contribute to our fund. It just hits you—these people were struggling and wanted to help.”
Another powerful memory involves fellow firefighters who grew up benefiting from the program. “I had one colleague come up to me and quietly say, ‘Yeah, I actually got this when I was a kid.’ It meant a lot to him then; now he’s one of our main volunteers.”
The gratitude from families also fuels Nick’s commitment. “Every Christmas, my phone starts dinging with messages like, ‘My kids are so happy. It’s been such a rough year. We can’t thank you enough.’”
The heart of the program
For Nick, the campaign’s impact goes beyond tangible gifts. “One of the key things about this program is not just helping the folks in need, but also giving people an avenue to help during Christmas time,” he explains. Donations range from financial contributions to handcrafted items, and each gesture reflects the community’s spirit of generosity. Nick’s own love for Christmas has deepened his dedication. “I’d be the first to say, and if you ask anybody at the fire hall, I’ve got a Christmas problem,” he jokes. “Christmas music goes on November 12 every year.” He attributes his passion to formative experiences, from family Christmases to his time living abroad. “It really brought home the importance of family and friends. You don’t have to have presents to have an amazing experience.”
Looking ahead
While the Share the Spirit campaign already covers the Yukon, Nick envisions potential expansion. “We’ve been looking at helping communities outside the Yukon, like Atlin or even small Alaskan towns,” he shares. The focus remains on refining the program and ensuring its long-term sustainability. The effort behind the campaign is monumental, requiring nearly 1,500 volunteer hours annually. “We tell our members, ‘This is the new normal. You must get used to having your full-time job but also giving back to your community.’”
The spirit of giving
When asked what advice he’d give others looking to make a difference, Nick simply says, “Just do something. Find what you’re passionate about, and don’t listen to that voice saying you can’t do it. If you work hard enough, people will see that, and they’ll help. Together, you’ll make it way bigger than you ever imagined.”
For Nick O’Carroll, being the Head Elf isn’t about recognition. It’s about creating moments of joy and connection in a season that holds so much meaning. “The North shouldn’t be an exception because we’re cold and isolated—it should be the reason.”
Northwestel and WFCS annual Toy Drive
Each year, Northwestel is proud to give back to our northern communities through a meaningful holiday Toy Drive at our retail locations in Whitehorse and Yellowknife.
In partnership with organizations like WFCS, we help raise awareness for their holiday giving campaigns by hosting media events encouraging donations from community partners and employees.
Additionally, we contribute $5,000 to a holiday-giving initiative in each of the territories we serve.
• Whitehorse, Whitehorse Firefighters Charitable Society/Share the Spirit Yukon
• Yellowknife, Salvation Army food & Toy Hamper program
• Iqaluit, Iqaluit Rotary hamper drive
