Christmas comes just once a year, but for many families in Ontario’s North, it passes them by completely.
At Dilico Anishnabek Family Care, it’s a story they know all too well.
Hundreds of children in the organization’s care would wake up Christmas morning with nothing under the tree, without the help of the annual Christmas Wish campaign.
Heather Poulter, the pastor of children’s ministry at Redwood Park Church, picked up 65 gift bags at Wednesday’s campaign launch, which her congregation will fill with toys, clothes and other necessities to give to youngsters who otherwise would go without.
It’s all about giving back to the community, she said. “We’re all about reaching out to our city and helping those that maybe are less fortunate than a lot of us may be,” Poulter said. “As a children’s ministry pastor I feel it’s very important for kids to ... not only teaching them about faith, but how to put their faith in motion and making a difference in their community.”
The campaign launch, which coincided with International Children’s Day, is a response to a growing need in First Nation’s community, where a disproportionate number of youth require Dilico’s care and services.
The organization looks after hundreds of children, who often only ask for a loving family to take care of them as their Christmas wish.
That’s not always possible, staff acknowledged. “This campaign will ensure that children are able to open a present on Christmas morning,” said campaign chairwoman Tausha Esquega. “We work with a lot of children and families that are in need and sometimes helping to prepare for Christmas, they need assistance with that.”
Each gift comes with a recipient profile, allowing shoppers to purchase age- and gender-appropriate gifts, as well as presents that interest each particular child.
The deadline to register to fill a bag is Dec. 13. They can be picked up at Intercity Shopping Centre on Wednesday’s between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., at Firedog Communications (32 South Court St.), a Dilico’s Heath Park site (1115 Yonge St.) or at Triad Roofing (758 MacDonell St.).
Cash donations are also welcome.
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