Stephane Quenneville knows who he needs to be from now until Dec. 25.
Think jolly old elf.
The Barrie and District Christmas Cheer president says he even looks the part.
“I’m chunky, wear a lot of red, and when I grow it (his beard) out, it’s pretty white,” he said. “There’s nothing like the Christmas after you have helped Christmas Cheer.”
Quenneville helped kick off the 2022 campaign, now in its 48th year, on Saturday. Christmas Cheer has a fundraising budget of $280,000 this year, an increase from $250,000.
It’s going to be the most challenging fundraising campaign he’s been involved in during his many years with the organization.
“It’s going to be tough. Everything costs more,” Quenneville said. “I’m a mortgage broker, so I know it’s a tough world. But it’s an incredible community that’s always come through, and corporate sponsors have bailed us out in the past.”
Christmas Cheer is looking for donations of money, food and toys — the latter for kids ages eight to 10 and toddlers, but money is always preferred.
When Christmas Cheer began, it helped 35 families, Quenneville said. That has grown to 1,760 families this year, or about 5,000 people.
The campaign ends Dec. 21 to 22, Quenneville said, but Christmas Cheer will be ready to distribute yuletide goodies Dec. 19.
More information, including how to donate, can be found at christmascheerbarrie.com.
