Christmas cheer for all
Money is raised to provide food, goodies for those in need
Over the past two years, Sydney Mines and Area Combined Christmas Cheer spent more than $22,000 on groceries to ensure families in need have a happy Christmas.
“That’s just for groceries,” said Combined Christmas Cheer chairman George MacDougall. “That doesn’t take into account other items included in the Christmas hampers, that money is separate.”
This year he expects the cost of groceries to come in at around $14,000.
“Everybody realizes that food costs keep going up each year, but the need continues to grow as well.”
Last year Foodland owner Roddie MacKenzie approached the committee and offered to purchase a flat-screen television and proceeds from tickets sales on the television went to the campaign.
“We see the need in the community, it’s important we do our part,” MacKenzie said. “It’s a very worthy cause so we are doing it again this year.”
Tickets are available at the checkouts and the cash office at Foodland, Pitt Street, Sydney Mines.
The draw for the television takes place Dec. 15.
Christmas Cheer volunteer Sharon MacLean added that it’s important for people to know that buying a ticket goes a long way to helping those in need.
“We appreciate what Roddie does in donating the television and allowing us to sell tickets in the store,” MacLean said. “This has made such a difference for our campaign.”
The remaining registration sessions take place Nov. 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. and Nov. 13 and 20 from 12:30-3 p.m. at the Princess Family Centre, Cottage Street, Sydney Mines.
Last year’s campaign assisted 300 families including 295 children.
The Combined Christmas Cheer hampers will be distributed Dec. 22 from Princess Family Centre, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Volunteers with the campaign also co-ordinate the adopt-afamily program in conjunction with the local businesses, schools and individuals and take care of Christmas Daddies for the area.
“We send out letters to all the businesses and organizations in the community and over the years they have been very supportive. There are so many who work to make this campaign a success, it’s a real community effort,” MacDougall said.