By: Jenny Lamothe
The last few months of the year, from Thanksgiving to the holidays, tend to inspire even those who give regularly to dig a little deeper. Reflecting on your own good fortune, the delight of a season spent with family and friends, brings out the need to give everyone else the happiness you enjoy.
Whether you donate yourself, or through a group effort with your community or employer, there are many charities in Sudbury looking for aid this Christmas, and these are just a few of them.
Ask any child what the holidays mean to them, and chances are they’ll happily shout “Santa!”
Although the Salvation Army Sudbury says it can provide the most services with monetary donations, the group is happy to receive donations of toys, new and unwrapped, as well as frozen turkey or refrigerated ham, at their 634 Notre Dame location.
If you have other items, such as gently used toys, they would be happily received for sale at their thrift store, giving customers the ability to bring joy at a more affordable price, and the Salvation Army to continue its good works.
Like most holidays enjoyed by Canadians, this time of year is centred on family and food.
Culinary delights displayed before grinning loved ones is the hopeful picture of the holidays, but not one that every Sudburian can achieve. It is for this reason endeavours undertaken by the Pregnancy Care Centre and Infant Food Bank, as well as the 30th annual Edgar Burton Food Drive, are so important.
The Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers once again host the Fill A Crib Campaign for the Infant Food Bank. Cribs are still available for set up with your business or community group, and ready to be filled with much needed items like baby food, formula, BPA-free bottles, diapers, wipes, car seats and other large items, as well as clothing. You can visit their website for more information and specific needs. http://www.pccifb.ca/fill-a-crib-2017/
The Edgar Burton Christmas Food Drive, named for its founder, runs until Dec. 15 and has a remarkable history of supporting families that visit the Sudbury Food Bank.
With 1,000 tons of food donated throughout its history, you too can take part by visiting one of the 300 donation boxes located in businesses around the city, signing up for your own donation box, or encouraging your children to take part in the Kids Helping Kids Campaign (http://www.sudburyfoodbank.ca/kids-helping-kids.aspx). This year, the campaign is challenging children to perform 30 acts of kindness around their schools and neighbourhoods. More information for all can be found on the Sudbury Food Bank website.
While you’re there, you can also take part in another of the food bank’s fundraising efforts. Each year, local artists create Christmas and holiday cards. They come written in English, French, or bilingual, and are available with denominational or non-denominational greetings. Each card is $5. Each card sold means one full meal for someone who needs it.
Another gift option allows you to support youth mentorship, and give those on your list a chance to win. With daily prizes and 35 special draws that the calendar holder doesn’t stop being entered in, even after they win, The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sudbury 2018 Daily Prize Calendar could be a great gift for everyone you know. Click the link to learn more.
There are also opportunities for your family or business to take part in the YWCA Sudbury Adopt a Family Program.
In addition to accepting toy and other donations at the shelter, ensuring each child staying there has the opportunity to open a present on Christmas morning, the group also offers companies, families and agencies the chance to adopt a family that has accessed the YWCA services over the past year, and help create a Christmas they will never forget.
Christmas Co-ordinator Emma Lapierre will guide you, offering suggestions for items needed and organizing the donations, and she can be reached by visiting YWCASudbury.ca or by calling (705) 673-4754, ext. 228.
The thing about joy is that the more you share it, the more you receive in return. This year, if you can, find a way to share your good fortune with those who may not be as lucky as you are, and watch as their happiness becomes yours as well.
Jenny Lamothe is a freelance writer, proof-reader and editor in Greater Sudbury. Contact her through her website, JennytheWriter.wordpress.com.
