The Chatham Goodfellows will have plenty of space to operate their upcoming 'No Child Without a Christmas’ campaign.
On Monday, the St. Clair Catholic District School Board announced that it will provide space in the former space in the former Monsignor Uyen Catholic School building on Lark Street in Chatham for the Goodfellows to use as a 'toy barn' for the organization's 2022 Christmas campaign.
“Each year it is the goal of the Goodfellows to provide Christmas dinner and toys to families who need help, to ensure a happy Christmas for all,” said Past President of the Chatham Goodfellows Tim Haskell. “We thank the St. Clair Catholic District School Board for helping us to make this happen again this year by making this space available to us.”
The school closed in 2021, when the Monsignor Uyen Catholic School community moved to the newly refurbished site on Baldoon Road. The school board is now in the process of offering the Lark Street property for sale.
In the meantime, Director of Education Scott Johnson said the temporary use of the building supports the mission of the St. Clair Catholic District School Board.
“St. Clair Catholic is pleased to make this vacant school space available for such a worthy organization in our community,” Johnson said. “We support the great work of the Goodfellows on behalf of the children and families in Chatham-Kent.”
This year marks the 68th year that Chatham Goodfellows have organized the No Child Without a Christmas campaign.
Applications for 2022 will be accepted online on Tuesday, November 1 for anyone who has applied in previous years. All others are asked to call 519-354-1146 beginning Monday, November 7 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on weekdays. Applications close Friday, December 2.
Toy packing will take place at the former Monsignor Uyen Catholic School on December 12, 13, 14 and 15 and volunteers are needed.
