THUNDER BAY – With some help from Dorothy and a band of flying monkeys, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care has launched its 10th annual Christmas Wish campaign.
The goal is to fill 850 red wish bags with personalized gifts for children who might otherwise go without on Christmas.
Dilico’s Carmela Hardy made the announcement on Friday at St. Patrick High School, helped out by the Grade 12 drama class students, who are in rehearsal for their annual holiday musical, this year offering up Christmas in the Land of Oz.
Hardy, the director of child welfare at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, said they’ve collected more than 4,000 bags over the past decade.
“There is a lot of meaning for the families,” Hardy said. “I think everyone can agree that when a child wakes up in the morning they are super happy to see gifts under the tree. This is another one to add for them.
“The families and children, they’re very, very grateful for the generosity that the community provides to them.”
Haleigh Beaucage, a Grade 12 student at the south-side school, said she’s glad to see her fellow students doing something to give back.
They’ve been helping to fill Christmas Wish bags for the past four years and it’s something near and dear to her heart.
“I was very fortunate throughout my childhood to be able to have a great Christmas every year. But I know there are a lot of people in the community who won’t. My family actually works with them a lot. So it’s been really important for me throughout my life to help out and give back as much as I can,” said Beaucage, who landed the lead role of Dorothy in the musical, scheduled for Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 at the Selkirk Auditorium.
The drama class will serve as a drop-off point on both nights.
Anyone wanting to take part in the campaign can find more information at www.facebook.com/DilicoChristmasWish or by phoning the elf hotline at 345-3763. Other drop-off and pick-up locations include Firedog Communications, Dilico Heath Park Site, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care and Intercity Shopping Centre, on Thursdays and Saturdays in front of American Eagle.
The deadline to register is Dec. 9, with all bags, which were purchased this year by Sovereign Dental, filled and returned by Dec. 10.
