THUNDER BAY – The local Children’s Aid Society is hoping to make this Christmas a little merrier for hundreds of underprivileged youth.
The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay on Tuesday launched their annual Holiday Wishes Tree Campaign at the Walmart on Memorial Avenue, setting their highest ever target of 600 gifts.
After delivering 500 gifts last year, volunteer program coordinator Charmaine Cades said they have a lofty target but are optimistic it can be reached.
“Thunder Bay gives back in a big way. In fact, we give more than the average city and Ontarians give more than the average volunteering in Canada,” Cades said. “We have a lot of really helpful people that make this campaign work.”
Shoppers at any of the city’s three Walmart locations can select a snowman tag off the holiday tree at each of the stores’ entrances, which provides an age appropriate gift suggestion for a child or youth. The gift and accompanying tag can then be brought to a cashier, where it will be picked up and sent to the children’s aid office while awaiting delivery.
It’s up to each person whether they want to buy what’s listed on the tag, or whether they want to get creative.
“We really encourage customers to buy engaging, healthy activities,” Cades said. “Board games and things families can do together and ultimately that’s the goal of this campaign, bringing joy to kids over the holidays.”
Cades said the increased target is a combination of increased need and the organization wanting to build on previous success.
“We’re finding, in addition to the individual gifts, that we have to provide hampers and things for families in need in a broader sense,” Cades said. “In addition to this program, we have 300 hampers that are going out to families in need in the district as well as in (the city).
Cades said two years ago they had $1,000 worth of donated shipping. Last year, that number was up to $3,000.
“We are seeing the need level increasing and we’re seeing more poverty and more families in need in terms of not having the basics, which we provide in those hampers as well,” Cades said.
The campaign will run until Dec. 23.
