It's officially the giving season as Barrie and District Christmas Cheer's annual campaign kicked off today in hopes of reaching their $250,000 target in time ahead the big day.
For the second time in the organization’s 47-year history, Christmas Cheer has been forced to shift the way it runs the annual campaign, which usually asks the community to collect physical donations of food and toys to fill hampers for nearly 1,700 families. They will instead run an all-cash model.
Christmas Cheer president Cindy Tonn told BarrieToday that despite the fear of the unknown last year, it all worked out well for the families who needed help.
“It was the first time in our history that we met our target before Christmas — it had just never happened,” said Tonn. “We are back at it that way again this year because even though things seem to be better with the pandemic, we still don’t want to have our workshop full of bodies.”
With the effect that COVID-19 has had on the local economy, the agency anticipates that application numbers will be on the rise this year due to inflation of food costs.
Canada’s Food Price Report forecasts food prices to increase by three to five per cent in 2021, and predicts the cost of groceries could cost Canadians $695 more compared to 2020.
All applications will be processed online and applicants will receive gift cards in lieu of a food hamper — the total value has been increased and will reflect the inflation of food costs over last year.
Applicants with children will receive physical toys purchased only by Christmas Cheer board members with the monetary donations raised online.
Online platforms are available again this year for those wanting to host a virtual fundraiser, as well as the return of their text-to-donate campaign.
There will be no volunteer opportunities available to the public as Tonn says it takes upwards of 1,200 volunteers to help pick up, sort and distribute the toys and food that has typically been collected.
While Tonn says they miss seeing those who have become familiar faces over the years, it is best to hold off again.
“A big part of this campaign are the volunteers who love to help, they really do,” Tonn said. “So to them, I assure you that we miss you just as much and we can’t wait to see you again soon.”
Online platforms are available again this year for those wanting to host a virtual fundraiser, as well as the return of their text-to-donate campaign where you can text the word CHEER to 30333.
All information for applications and donating can be found at the Christmas Cheer website by clicking here.
