$66K needed to reach goal
Charity isn’t just about gifts, it’s about ‘legacy’ for children
Heading into the final days of the 112th annual Santa Claus Fund, the Star is $66,823 away from achieving its $1.7-million goal.
All proceeds go directly toward the cost of the gifts for 45,000 underprivileged children age newborn to 12 across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Ajax and Pickering. The presents are delivered by teams of volunteers.
“Our charity is considered one of a kind in this day and age, in that 100 per cent of donor dollars are directed toward the gift boxes, as the Star continues to pay for all administrative costs,” said Barbara Mrozek, the Star’s director of charities and philanthropy.
Recipients receive a gift box with a warm shirt (toddlers get a fleece-lined tracksuit while newborn infants get a five-piece set that includes onesies), a warm hat, warm gloves or mittens, socks, a toy, a book, cookies and dental hygiene items (age 4 and up) inside.
It’s the only present many of the kids will receive this holiday season, which is why the gift boxes aim to cover the basics and then some.
John Killeen, co-founder of Superior Sprinkler, a fire-protection equipment supplier, said he feels “privileged” that his company donates to the Santa Claus Fund, a decade-long tradition.
“The biggest thing about the charity isn’t the charity, it isn’t the gifts and everything, it’s the legacy of those kinds of events in a child’s life,” he said.
“The Star Fund (gives) them a sense of normalcy for a few years, and they turn out to be good people, and they impact your life somewhere down the road. You never know.”
Killeen’s company donated $5,000 this year. Another considerable donation comes from Ross Petty Productions, which is contributing $10,000, and has been a proud supporter for about two decades.
Among returning donors is the Pinball Clemons Foundation, based in Mississauga, which works to em- power youth through education and programs that can cover tuition, housing, meals and mentoring.
“We’ve been a partner with the Toronto Star for several years and we support underserved youth and families. It’s a perfect fit with us. When we have the ability to give back, we definitely do,” executive director Jennifer Branco said.
About 67 per cent of donations to the fund come from the five cities serviced by the charity, with others coming in from outside the province and even outside the country. Donations have come in from as far as Italy and England.
While there are major donations from companies and city events like the Toronto Christmas Market, or community drives like the Garry Zentil Charity Spin for Kids, no donation is too small to make a difference. The Star’s Mrozek said that even a $5 donation helps to fund 14 per cent of one box, so the smallest coins can still make change in a child’s life over the holidays. If you have been touched by the Santa Claus Fund or a story to tell, please email santaclausfund@thestar.ca.