THUNDER BAY – More than 700 children are going to wake up on Christmas morning with a Dilico Christmas Wish Bag under their tree.
The 13th annual Christmas Wish campaign was a resounding success, said family care director of mental health and addiction services Tina Bobinski.
“Dilico is so thankful for the ongoing community support for the Dilico Christmas Wish campaign year after year. It’s all about bringing people together for a common cause, creating positive childhood memories and showing children that wishes can come true. For many, this is the only gift they are receiving at Christmas,” Bobinski said.
The program, in its 13th year, personalizes each bag for each child, with a special tag attached that provides details including their age, interests and Christmas wishes.
Presents handed out include everything from toys and books to winter sleds and warm clothing – even an authentic Montreal Canadiens jersey.
Wish bags overflowed with gifts destined from children who might otherwise go without this Christmas season.
“One volunteer was brought to tears seeing how much thought and care was put into a gift that included a Baby Jumper and an amazing bag full of everything for a newborn,” Bobinski said.
“It was incredible to see how much thought and care went into selecting items, and the worker knew how appreciative the family would be to receive such amazing things for their baby.”
Sponsored by Sovereign Dental and helped by a number of donors and supporters in the community, the program has had – and continues to have – an incredible impact over the past 13 years.
“This is a Christmas gift that children won’t ever forget. No matter what the situation the child is experiencing, the sense of joy and belonging this campaign brings truly embodies the Christmas spirit,” said Dilico Anishinabek Family Care director of finance and corporate services, Terry Bortolin.
For more information, visit www.dilico.com/christmaswish.
