The Chatham Goodfellows Christmas drive is back for an impressive 68th year.
The annual "No Child Without a Christmas" campaign kicks off on Tuesday, November 1 with applications being accepted online for those who have applied in previous years. All others can apply by calling 519-354-1146 beginning November 7, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Applications will close December 2, 2022 to allow time to place orders with suppliers.
"We look forward to having our volunteers back on track by having our hampers packed and delivered once again," said former Chatham Goodfellows president Tim Haskell. "Covid-19 was challenging for the past two years but we were able to run our campaign safely so that there was "No Child Without a Christmas". Each and every year, the Chatham-Kent community steps up to help Chatham Goodfellows to fulfill this mission."
Haskell noted it's "very important" that they collect their own donations of toys and food because it will guarantee donations are going to Chatham Goodfellows, adding arrangements can always be made to pickup donations.
"The cost of living has gotten out of control, which makes it difficult for people to pay their rent and buy groceries for their family. Our goal is to provide a Christmas dinner and toys so that everyone can enjoy the holiday season without any worries," Haskell said. "We are in constant contact with other agencies to avoid duplication and to ensure that each and every applicant will receive what they need. We also share what we have left after our campaign is over to Outreach for Hunger, FreeHelpCK, and soup kitchens to name a few. Nothing will ever be wasted."
According to Chatham Goodfellows, the community of Chatham-Kent generously donated $215,000 last year to buy food, toys, knitted items, and boot and shoe certificates for the children and their families. Haskell said donations can also be left at Chatham Goodfellows depots throughout the city as well.
Cheque donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 114, Chatham ON, N7M 5K1 or e-transferred at donate@chathamgoodfellows.ca to receive an automatic receipt. Questions can be emailed to info@chathamgoodfellows.ca.
The Porchlight campaign will be held November 28, 2022 when volunteers will visit homes asking for donations. Street sales will be held December 9, 2022 and December 10, 2022.
Food packing and delivery will be located at the Spirit and Life Centre in Chatham on December 20, 2022. Toy packing will take place on December 12-15, 2022 at Monsignor Uyen Catholic School at 255 Lark Street in Chatham and volunteers are welcome to help put toy bags together for local families in need. Toy delivery will be on the evening of December 19, 2022.
The new president for Chatham Goodfellows is Craig Williston, who Haskell said comes with a lot of experience having served as a Chatham Goodfellows member for over four decades.
