THUNDER BAY — Hundreds of children across the Thunder Bay district, including in 13 First Nations, will enjoy a merrier Christmas thanks to the success of Dilico Anishinabek Family Care's Christmas Wish Campaign.
Organizers of the annual campaign had set their sights on a goal of 800 bags this year, a significant increase from the approximately 700 bags collected last year.
At a news conference Monday, they revealed that they had reached their target, setting a new record in the process.
"We are truly moved by the generosity of the community," said Dilico executive director Darcia Borg. "For children who may not otherwise receive the gift they hope for at Christmas, this is an opportunity to bring them joy. Every child deserves to feel special, and due to the generosity of this community, hundreds of children will now have their Christmas wishes come true."
Each Christmas Wish bag is filled with toys such as dolls and LEGO sets, and with basic necessities such as toothbrushes and warm mittens.
The bags are tailored to each recipient.
One of this year's contributors — who was not identified — said her family has participated in the campaign for years as a family tradition, and always chooses the profile of a little girl.
"Together, we enjoy shopping for the items on her wish list and imagining her joy as she opens her gifts on Christmas morning, including her very own jewelry box with a dancing ballerina," she said.
Tom Auger, an assistant director at Dilico, said the community has recognized the need and responded accordingly every year over the past decade.
"Their generosity over the past 10 years has really shone, and it's apparent here again this year," Auger said, noting that the bags were all filled within a period of about three weeks.
Dilico thematically tied this year's campaign to the image of a snowflake comprised of joined hands, which symbolizes connection, community and coming together to help children and youth.
Assistant director Vanessa McLaughlin expressed gratitude to the donors and supporters of the program, singling out Sovereign Dental which supplied all the bags into which the toys and other items have been packed.
Dilico workers will begin distribution of the gift bags to children in the city and district immediately, with deliveries expected to continue right up until Christmas.
