THUNDER BAY — A happy holiday surprise always puts smiles on people’s faces.
For a dozen days, thanks to Tbaytel’s 12 Days of Christmas program, there are going to be plenty of grins throughout Northwestern Ontario.
Employees at the municipally-owned utility will travel throughout the city and the region spreading random acts of kindness, helping the Salvation Army provide a meal for its soup van one day, possibly handing out gift cards to unexpecting shoppers the next.
It’s a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas, says spokesman Jamie Smith.
“This is one of our employees’ favourite things to do,” Smith said, launching the effort on Thursday afternoon at the Salvation Army’s Journey to Life Centre, where the volunteers ensured everyone getting a meal that night would also get a Christmas gift bag.
“This is all employee, volunteer driven. It’s just one of the myriad of ways we give back, but we pull out all the stops for this 12 Days of Christmas. I think it’s really important for us to show that we care and that we want to give back to our neighbourhood. But also, that little bit of kindness, you never know the ripple effect that can occur when you do something nice for somebody.”
The program began seven years ago.
In the past, under the 12 Days of Christmas Banner, Tbaytel employees have given away Christmas Trees at the Kiwanis lot, planned and prepared dinners and gone to the mall and handed out gift cards.
“Last year we surprised everyone at Mount Baldy one day with free tubing. We’ve purchased entire Christmases for people in need and families in need in past years. It’s really a balance of finding the needs of the community, but also just showing that kindness and generosity and spontaneity,” Smith said.
Given rising costs, programs like the 12 Days of Christmas appear to be needed now more than ever.
Smith said it won’t change the world, but it does make a difference to many at this time of year.
“If we can make everyone’s day that little bit better, I think regardless of where we’re at as a community, it’s going to make it a better place.”
Gary Ferguson, the executive director of the Salvation Army's Journey to Life Centre, said it was exciting to be chosen as this year's 12 Days of Christmas starting point.
"Anything we can do with our community partners to help the people we serve, it's fantastic," Ferguson said.
Tbaytel will be sharing its efforts on its Facebook and Instagram accounts. Visit tbaytel.net/12days to watch a video of last year’s campaign.
