Thanks to The Mississauga News Santa Claus Fund, more than 5,500 children in this city won’t have to. The fund, in its sixth year, is partnered with The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund. It provides gift boxes to needy children under the age of 12 who have been referred by a community service agency.
Earlier this week, The Mississauga News publisher Ron Lenyk kicked off this year’s fundraising efforts at Santa’s workshop, a brightly-decorated warehouse at a secret location just a stone's throw from the city. Elves there are busily hand-sorting gift boxes that will be delivered to children in December.
And the need is greater than ever this year, given the grim economic outlook.
"With the financial crisis that seems to be looming, the need this year will exceed other years," Lenyk said. "We are appealing for as much help as possible."
The Santa Claus Fund hopes to raise $1.5 million for this year's campaign, which would provide 45,000 gift boxes to children in Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto, Ajax and Pickering.
Lenyk has no doubt Mississaugans will come through. "Mississauga residents show great philanthropic spirit and I have every reason to believe they will show that great support again this year."
Barb Mrozek, the Toronto Star charities and philanthropy director, who is co-ordinating the Santa Claus Fund, notes the fund fills a real need in this city.
“(Referring) agencies are saying that their families are thrilled. Their workers are thrilled to be able to offer it. It sometimes creates a bond,” said the Mississauga resident. “It makes them feel that they’ve gone above and beyond and helped those families out and the families are saying ‘thank you.’ ”
Each festive gift box contains a hat, mittens, a warm top, socks, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a book, a toy, and candy.
One hundred per cent of donations to the fund are spent on merchandise.
If you would like to make the holiday season sweeter for a child in need this year, donate to The Mississauga News Santa Claus Fund. The fund has no minimum donation requirement. A small donation goes a long way towards ensuring a merry Christmas for children in your community.
For secure online donations, visit www.thestar.com/santaclausfund. For Visa and MasterCard donations, call 416-869-4847.
Send your cheque to The Mississauga News Santa Claus Fund, 3145 Wolfedale Rd., Mississauga, ON, L5C 3A9.
The Star absorbs all administrative costs so all proceeds go directly into buying the gifts. The Santa Claus Fund does not allow anyone to solicit on its behalf.
Tax receipts will be issued.
If you have a story you'd like to share about The Mississauga News Santa Claus Fund, e-mail jslack@mississauga.net
