Kinsmen, Kinettes help make holidays bright for local families
NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — The New Glasgow Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs were busy playing Santa Claus on Dec. 19.
Each year the service groups have a tradition of helping families in need by purchasing a grocery order and Christmas presents to make the holiday season brighter.
This year they helped 36 parents and guardians and 68 kids.
Kinsman Glen MacGregor helped co-ordinate this year’s event.
“Hopefully this will make somebody’s Christmas a bit better,” he said. “We’re very happy to be able to impact that number of young children especially.”
The grocery order is much more than just a meal. Rather, it’s enough to feed a family for several days. They also receive toiletries and Christmas presents to put under the tree.
MacGregor estimates it costs more than $20,000 to put this on. Most of the money is raised through the Kinsmen TV Bingo program, which Eastlink enables them to do. But members often top up that amount to make Christmas wishes come true.
Kinsmen Scott McKenzie said there’s something meaningful about taking part.
“I like the idea of waking up Christmas morning and seeing my family open up all their presents,” he said.
At the same time, he likes to envision another young child waking up and enjoying Christmas because of their efforts.
Shellie Smith said the Kinette Club has been involved for several years now and she loves taking part.
“Honestly, for me it’s the best part of Christmas,” she said. “This is my highlight. I think if I wasn’t involved in this project, I would just be sad.
“It’s nice to know we’re doing something to help people who really struggle probably all year round, but especially this time of year. In particular, it’s about the children.”