THUNDER BAY - It’s that time of year again when the spirit of gift giving fills our hearts and Shelter House Thunder Bay hopes the power of giving will leave everyone in the city with that special something this holiday season.
Shelter House is once again partnering with the Power Centre for the Power of Giving Project. The gift drive, now in its second year, is asking the public to donate gifts for children, teens, and adults to be given to people who utilize Shelter House services.
“It’s such a great charity,” said Dave Radford, general manager at the Power Centre. “There are so many people out there who need stuff, especially at Christmas time. The Power Centre was really happy when Shelter House came to us and asked if we wanted to get involved. We said absolutely.”
Gifts and cash donations will be accepted at the Power Centre between Nov. 24 and Dec. 22. Anyone who donates a gift will receive a ballot to be entered into a draw for a Samsung 50 inch, 4K, Smart TV.
“Last year was our first year and we collected well over 900 gifts,” Radford said. “This year our goal is to hit well over 1,000.”
“Last year we had an abundance of gifts to give to people, which is really important to people who don’t have anything at Christmas time,” added Michelle Jordan, executive director at Shelter House. “Last year when we asked Dave to partner up we were really excited about it. We got a number of gifts and it’s a great event.”
Suggested gift ideas include small toys, colouring books, stuffed toys, and hats and mittens for children; board games, books, gift cards, hats and mittens, and personal care items for teens; gift cards, books, board games, purses, backpacks, and scarves for adults.
Jordan said everyone who comes through the doors at Shelter House on Christmas Day for lunch or dinner will receive a gift. And while donations of food and money are often sought by Shelter House, Jordan said during the holiday season it is important to offer something extra for those in need.
“There is a lot of kids who come through our shelter to eat every day and their families just don’t have enough money to pull together to get some gifts that they would want or need,” she said. “Even for teenagers and even for themselves as adults.”
“A lot of people live alone and don’t have connections to family, so it’s really important for us to be that entity to provide those needs for them.”
Jordan added partnering with the Power Centre has made a big difference in reaching out to the giving spirit in Thunder Bay.
“In past years, sometimes we were worried we wouldn’t have enough gifts, so that is why the idea came about last year to partner up with an organization like the Power Centre who can benefit as well,” she said. “And anyone who comes in a brings a gift can win a TV, so who doesn’t want that?”
