'Christmas in July' fundraiser in Newmarket supports survivors of abuse
A local charity hosted a Christmas-themed event in Newmarket in support of abuse survivors.
The 'Christmas in July' event was hosted by non-profit organization, Abuse Hurts, at Market Brewing Co., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Attendees were encouraged to donate an unwrapped toy or gift card to the free family-friendly event, which featured a Christmas market with local vendors, live music and pictures with Santa Claus.
Abuse Hurts CEO and Founder Ellen Campbell says last year was challenging, as the organization could not meet increased demand due to pandemic restrictions.
"Domestic abuse is up 30 per cent," says Campbell. "Demand is up and we need to raise as much money as we can for Christmas and for other times."
The charity's goal was to fill the van with unwrapped toys to get a headstart on Christmas donations and raise one thousand dollars.
"We would be ecstatic," says Campbell. "That's a lot for a grassroots organization."
Abuse Hurts has been helping survivors for almost three decades, providing clothing, toys and housewares to those in need.
Those who missed the event are also encouraged to donate to Abuse Hurts online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.