Santa needs angels
With the season of giving just around the corner, the Santa’s Angels organization is hoping the public will give their time to spread Christmas cheer across the Island.
SUMMERSIDE – With the season of giving just around the corner, the Santa's Angels organization is hoping the public will give their time to spread Christmas cheer across the Island.
The volunteer-run registered charity delivers food, gifts and company to those in need during the Christmas season. This year will be the first time the initiative runs Islandwide.
"We want to get across the Island as best we can. But we're struggling to find volunteers to cover the Tignish area," said Kenny Zakem, chairman of Santa's Angels and one of the charity's founders.
Last year, the charity prepared 500 boxes (comprised of food or other necessities), but Zakem said when all was said and done, the volunteers visited a couple of thousand Islanders.
"We visit families in their homes, bring food boxes or care boxes which can be made up of household necessities, hygiene products, etc. Some we deliver toys to with Santa Claus for the kids, and other times we're stopping into hospitals and seniors homes to wish them a Merry Christmas and spend time with them."
Volunteers organize, raise funds, and carry out these visits with customized packages based upon the needs of the individual or family, as well as visiting seniors’ homes, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, and other care facilities.
This year, the group plans to supply 1,000 food boxes and 1,000 care boxes to families or individuals across the Island. But the charity is facing a volunteer low in the Tignish area.
"We're lacking volunteers to cover the area. It's best if they're from the community because they know the place. They know who might be where (and) what families could use a surprise visit.
"Right now we're calling for people to volunteer or submit the names of people or families they know that could benefit from a visit."
Those interested in volunteering in the Tignish area are asked to email hello@santasangels.ca.
This year, the group is asking for the public's help to buy a ham as the centrepiece of each family dinner table. A single $10 donation can be made online at www.santasangles. ca/ham.
Anyone who needs help this Christmas can request to be on Santa's List. requests must be made via a form on the Santa's Angels website www. santasangels.ca/receive, which will be live from Nov. 1 until Dec. 10.
For more information about the charity go to www.santasangels.ca or call 902-2004646.