Barrie mayor Alex Nuttall is highlighting the efforts of a local charity working to make children’s Christmases feel a little more magical — Barrie and District Christmas Cheer.
“Christmas Cheer delivers Christmas in a box — if you will — to families,” Nuttall says. “It gets gifts for parents to give their children on Christmas and also provides some grocery cards so that they can use to get food on Christmas Day and the days around it. It is an immense help for families that otherwise wouldn’t have the means to enjoy the holidays.”
The 39-year-old knows more than most about the importance of the organization. After moving to Canada from England, Nuttall’s family lived in government subsidized housing in the Barrie area. After his parents divorce, his mother began relying on Christmas Cheer to make the holiday season merry.
“I remember my mom used to take me to pick up [the hamper] because there was no one else to watch me. . . She would make me not look at everything that was being provided to us so that it could be a surprise when we unwrapped it.”
“It’s something that’s been incredible in our community for many, many, many years it’s had a very positive impact on my life.”
This year, Christmas Cheer anticipates its 1,200 volunteers will provide hampers for 1,860 families in Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, Oro-Medonte and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, it may be a rather bare year for recipients. As of December 6, the charity had raised $118,800 for the season — far short of the $450,000 goal the organization set for its 50th anniversary season. Last year, it raised more than $400,000.
“The need for support has never been greater,” said Sandra Yaquo, its president, in a press release. “Applications continue to pour in online, and we’ve already seen a record number of approvals — with two days still remaining for families to apply.”
Beyond money, Christmas Cheer is seeking donations of unwrapped toys for children between five and 10 years old. The charity recommends donating Lego sets, action figures, dolls, construction play sets, cooking play sets, toy cars, craft gifts and board games.
Nuttall says these presents mean the world to local children in need. “I actually still have this train set. I played with it for years and my kids play with it now. It’s something I always hung on to to remind me that we’re so blessed.”
