THUNDER BAY - Every child deserves to wake up on Christmas morning and feel the excitement of opening a gift and for the 13th year in a row Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is hoping with the help of the public, more than 700 children in need will feel the excitement.
“It’s really important because it’s a tough time of year for a lot of people and every child needs to wake up in the morning and have some hope and comfort and presents and gifts and to know they are part of that same holiday as everybody else,” said John Dixon, director of integrated services with Dilico Anishinabek Family Care.
On Monday, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care launched its 13th annual Christmas Wish Campaign, which aims to collect donations for gift bags that will be delivered to children in need.
Each bag is individualised for a child that provides details on age and interests and the gift bags can be filled with essential items, clothing, toys, and learning tools.
This year also includes a new way to give, allowing people to purchase a Christmas Wish bear that will be included in the gift bags and the money raised helping to fill more bags.
Since its launch in 2008, the Christmas Wish Campaign has provided gift bags to more than 6,700 children, and according to Dixon, the demand continues to grow.
“This year is a particular tough time with the lockdowns and COVID and not having those regular connections they are used to and it’s nice to be able to fulfill that void where it exists,” he said.
“Our demand has grown over the years. We are targeting 700 but I think we will probably exceed that. We have exceeded out targets on many other years and I think it’s important to set higher targets because the need is always there and growing.”
The community is already becoming involved, with Redwood Park Church committing to fill 175 bags.
Those wishing to participate can pick up a wish bag at Firedog Communications, Dilico Heath Park site, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, and Starbucks on Arthur Street or sign up online at the Christmas Wish website.
Participants will then be asked to fill the bags with items based on the profile of the child included with the bag and return it to Dilico Anishinabek Family Care no later than Dec. 6 to ensure the children will have something exciting to wake up to this holiday season.
“The kids are pretty excited when they get these gifts,” Dixon said. “For some kids in some families, it might be the only gift they receive that year. To wake up and get some socks, and mitts, and toys, the kids are really happy to receive those.”
