Christmas Cheer campaign struggling to meet $450,000 goal with need greater than ever
With the need greater than ever before, the Barrie and District Christmas Cheer is urgently calling on the generosity of the community to help support nearly 2,000 families this holiday season.
So far, the campaign has raised $91,600, with a long way to go to reach its $450,000 goal.
“Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact on local families. We especially encourage monetary contributions, as they allow us to maximize their value through partnerships with local businesses, ensuring we can help as many families as possible this Christmas,” said the Barrie and District Christmas Cheer president Sandra Yaquo.
- Download the CTV News app free to get local news alerts
- Don't miss breaking news - Sign up for the CTV Newsletter
The program fills holiday hampers with Christmas dinner staples and presents for under the tree for families in Barrie, Innisfil, Oro-Medonte, Springwater and Essa, who otherwise may go without.
“Applications for the 2024 Barrie and District Christmas Cheer campaign continue to pour in by the hundreds,” the organization stated.
Each year, more than 1,200 volunteers step in to help fill food hampers for over 5,000 people and pack toys.
“Together, they continue to bring the joy and spirit of Christmas to those who need it most,” noted the organization, which celebrates its 50th year of giving.
Donations can be made online or by texting CHEER to 30333.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau says Trump's comments on 51st state 'flattering' but a 'non-starter'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says talk of Canada becoming the 51st state is a distraction from more pressing threats of U.S tariffs on Canada and their likely impact.
Alberta premier Danielle Smith meets with Trump at impromptu Mar-a-Lago visit
Alberta premier Danielle Smith met with President-elect Donald Trump Saturday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
Former PM Chretien says Liberal party must move back to 'radical centre'
As the Liberal party searches for a new leader, former prime minister Jean Chretien says it's time for the party to move back to the "radical centre" to help its electoral fortunes.
Why Canada and the U.S. are seeing a trend of wildfires in recent years
As Los Angeles continues to battle one of the most destructive wildfires in its history, experts say the devastation signals a troubling trend fuelled by a larger climate crisis.
Vance says Jan. 6 participants who committed violence 'obviously' shouldn't be pardoned
Vice President-elect JD Vance says people responsible for the violence during the Capitol riot “obviously” should not be pardoned, as President-elect Donald Trump is promising to use his clemency power on behalf of many of those who tried on Jan. 6, 2021, to overturn the results of the election that Trump lost.
Are there U.S. military bases and American troops in Canada?
The U.S. military has more than 165,000 troops deployed in over 170 countries and territories, including Canada.
Teen's road test halted by stunt driving charge
A 17-year-old driver failed their road test before it even began after being stopped by police in a community safety zone.
'Everything is on the table': Joly won't rule out cutting off energy exports to U.S. in face of Trump tariff threat
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly is not ruling out any countermeasures when it comes to dealing with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump — his threat of significant tariffs on Canadian imports, in particular.
Sault motorist was driving 175 km/h on Hwy. 17, northern Ont. police say
A 20-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie has been charged with stunt driving and is accused of exceeding the speed limit by 85 km/h.