The 2018 Barrie and District Christmas Cheer campaign kicks off Saturday and officials hope it will lend a hand to the many people who need it in our community.
Ian Hocking has been the president of Christmas Cheer for the last two seasons and has been involved with the organization for five and a half years after being brought in by a friend.
“Christmas is such a great time of year and we do it for the kids and for the people who don’t have as much here in our community. This is a great way to give back,” Hocking tells BarrieToday. “Most of us are very busy the majority of the year and Christmas is a time when I personally do get a few weeks to spare, so I guess we try to do as best we can with the time we have.”
The 44th annual campaign will launch Saturday, Nov. 17 following a pancake breakfast with Santa at 8:30 a.m. at Georgian Mall where, at 10 a.m., the Jolly Old Elf opens his workshop for pictures to be taken.
Christmas Cheer representatives will be on hand by Santa’s toy box to accept donations to kick off the campaign.
Hocking says it is a great way to get the word out because, as well-known as one may think the organization is, he believes they still need to reach the folks who need it most.
“It is actually surprising how many people don’t know what Christmas Cheer is, and I don’t mean so much of the people who are giving, but of those who need us most,” said Hocking. “If people are reading this or see us out and about and feel that maybe you need a little help this season, they should apply.
"Even if you’re not sure if you qualify, we can assist you with knowing that because, in all honesty, we are forecasting approximately 1,750 families who need assistance, which equates to about 4,800 in our community," he added.
The reach of those helped includes Barrie, Innisfil, Angus, Springwater and Oro-Medonte.
Christmas Cheer never truly knows how many families need assistance until they do apply and they can do so at the Kozlov Mall from Nov. 26 until Dec. 4.
“Everything that comes through the door has to be checked and sorted,” Hocking said.
Toys are sorted by age group and gender to ensure that age appropriate toys go out to those little ones opening the gifts.
"We distribute toys from ages six months to 10 years old and those over 10 usually get a gift voucher as it is something easier for them to get what they want," he said.
It was quiet in the Christmas Cheer warehouse Wednesday morning, but will not be soon as approximately 1,400 volunteers at different times and days will give their time to making sure everything runs smoothly.
“We buy in bulk from funds that we’ve raised, of course money is always needed to get the things we may need right away or don’t have in stock,” said Hocking.
“But the food that is donated will be brought in and sorted through and then put into the boxes that will go out," he added. "It is quite a sight to see the many donations that come in from this giving community and, of course, to watch people who may be helping for the first time working beside a long time volunteer.
"Watching the relationships grow in the name of giving is a very touching thing to see.”
If you are interested in donating food, toys and/or money to Christmas Cheer, want to volunteer or need to receive assistance from the organization, head to their website.
A list of the over 100 drop-off locations throughout Barrie, Innisfil, and Angus is also on the site.
