THUNDER BAY – Thanks to Thunder Bay’s generosity, 1,050 children will awaken Christmas morning to find their holiday dreams have come true.
On Monday, officials with Dilico Anishinabek Family Care announced they had collected 1,050 Christmas Wish bags, filled with toys and other gifts for babies, children and youth in need in the District of Thunder Bay.
Seeing a room awash in red is an amazing feeling, said Dilico Anishinabek Family Care executive director Darcia Borg.
“What this means to me is the community of Thunder Bay and families, organizations and businesses have really come together to meet the need of Indigenous children in this area. It’s so amazing and it’s so important,” Borg said.
The impact is tremendous.
Most people take Christmas for granted, but for many families it’s a struggle, forced to choose between paying utilities, buying food or paying the rent.
Christmas presents are often left off the list, with no money left over at the end of the month.
“Some children and families, they are less fortunate, and at Christmas time this will mean they will have a gift they can open on Christmas morning and it will really add meaning to their holiday season,” Borg said.
“People are so appreciative. Parents appreciate the assistance at Christmas time.”
Julie Bannon, a family wellness worker at Dilico, said the Christmas Wish bags, which are being delivered for the 11th straight year, are special.
Each bag is filled specifically for a particular individual, tailored to their tastes.
“For many of our children, this is the only gift they are receiving at Christmas,” she said. “This gives children not only a toy or a gift, but also a memorable and happy holiday. The wish bags provide some of the fondest memories for children and families, so it’s a wonderful cause for some very deserving children.”
Over the past 11 years, more than 6,000 Christmas Wish bags have been filled. This year’s collection will be distributed, starting on Monday, to children throughout the district.
