Norwood pitches in for Operation Christmas Child
Volunteers collect shoeboxes full of gifts for children in Third World countries
Operation Christmas Child is an annual international campaign that gathers “shoeboxes” of small gifts that are then delivered to children in impoverished, war or weather-stricken countries. The aim is to bring a little bit of happiness into the lives of children in need.
The shoeboxes are distributed to local churches, schools, organizations and individuals who then fill the boxes with things like small toys, school supplies and hygiene items. Ilona Bennett, the local co-ordinator who has been organizing the campaign for the Norwood area since 1998 is very pleased with the local response this year.
Norwood’s Pentecostal Church was the local depot for the area’s collection and Ilona and her helper elves packed box after box for shipment to Peterborough and eventually overseas to brighten the Christmas season for children living in adverse conditions across the globe. Canadians contributed 615,120 shoeboxes last year.
On a global scale the program which started in 1990 has to date distributed over 135 million gift boxes to children worldwide; it is directed by Samaritans Purse an American non-denominational Christian based International Relief Organization.
Santa Claus Parade
Asphodel-Norwood’s 21st annual Christmas Parade will roll through the streets on Saturday, beginning at 7:30 p.m. marking the official start of the holiday season in the village. As is the tradition, spectators will have an opportunity to donate a toy or food item to go to a less fortunate family this Christmas.
The parade will follow Spring St. to Oak St. and then make its way onto the highway, after a quick stop at the four corners to light the village tree and to enjoy some fireworks compliments of Asphodel Norwood Fire and Rescue, the parade will turn down Colborne St. heading towards the Norwood Legion where the kids can meet up with Santa to tell him everything on their lists.
Get Stuffed turkey dinner
The Norwood Lioness will host their annual Get Stuffed Turkey Luncheon on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Norwood Town Hall, featuring a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, plus a variety of raffles and door prizes. Tickets are $15, kids 6 to 11 are $5, under 6 eat free, they are available at the Norwood Home Hardware.
Living Christmas tree
A bus trip has been organized to go and hear the living Christmas tree at the Lindsay Presbyterian church on Sunday. The bus leaves Norwood at 2 p.m., for a 2:30 p.m. pick up in Peterborough, the performance starts at 4:30 p.m. there will stop for supper on the way home.) Reserve your spot to see this unique presentation, where the choir is organized in the shape of a Christmas Tree by calling Annalene Miles at 639-2093. Tickets are $15 each
St. Andrew’s Bazaar
Norwood’s St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 19 Flora St. is hosting their annual Christmas Bazaar, bake sale and luncheon Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pick up some of the church’s famous shortbread, butter tarts, fruit pies, frozen meat pies and more. Find the perfect gift at the craft and Sunday School tables and enjoy a delectable soup and sandwich lunch for $8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please take note that this is the final church bazaar in the area before Christmas.