12 Hours of Christmas aids movie project
’ Tis the season for giving back, says Ally Nieuwesteeg.
The 20- year- old Niagara Falls native is the driving force behind a fundraiser to benefit both Project SHARE and a movie project about a unique event held almost a decade ago that captured the hearts of the community.
In 2009, 10 local men spent five days in a tent at the corner of Thorold Stone and Montrose roads. They ate only food available at the food bank and collected donations — both food and cash — from the public. All told, the 10 Men in a Tent event raised more than $ 300,000 — roughly $ 150,000 in cash and 27,000 kilograms of food — for Project SHARE.
Now, almost a decade later, Nieuwesteeg is organizing a similar event — albeit on a much smaller scale.
The 12 Hours of Christmas will be held at the Firemen’s Park hall Friday from noon until midnight.
Planned activities include a penny auction, Christmas carolling, gingerbread cookie decorating, a do- it- yourself Christmas centrepieces workshop, pictures with Santa, dinner and a movie. Magician Greg Frewin and Sandy Vine and the Midnights will also perform.
There will be a different event each hour. Visitors can participate in one event, or stay for the day and do the dozen. Admission is a non- perishable food donation or a cash donation.
Nieuwesteeg came up with the idea after learning of Dave Martineau’s dream to bring the story of the 10 Men in a Tent to the big screen. The former Niagara Falls Review publisher was one of the 10 men, along with Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati ( then a councillor), Niagara Ice-Dogs owner Bill Burke, radio personality Rob White, Ripley’s Entertainment manager Tim Parker, then Winter Festival of Lights manager Dino Fazio, Dr. George Zimakas and businessmen Bob Gale, Brian Pellow and Kevin Grealy.
“I was very inspired by Dave’s story,” the Saint Paul grad recalled. “I wanted to do something.”
The only problem was Nieuwesteeg was attending medical school in Bahrain in the Persian Gulf at the time.
Thanks to social media — and many emails and long- distance calls home — she started spreading the word about her fundraising idea.
“I wanted it around Christmas time because that is the time of year a lot of people need help … there is such a need out there.”
For the 12 Hours of Christmas event, all food and toy donations will benefit Project SHARE, while monetary donations will support the 10 Men in a Tent movie project.
“The movie will showcase Niagara Falls and show that a small town can rally together and make world of difference to people,” she said.
Nieuwesteeg, who was 12 when the 10 Men in a Tent took place, hopes her project will also encourage other young people to embrace volunteerism.
“You’re never too young to help and make a difference in peoples’ lives,” she said.
Martineau agreed.
“It’s important because, in general, it lays a foundation at an early age of helping and giving whether it’s this or anything else they feel inspired by.”
Martineau, now a part- time actor, was on the set of a TV show last summer when he shared his tent experience with the director. Intrigued, the director wrote a script based on the 10 Men in a Tent project. To date, the movie campaign has raised $ 550,000. Filming is expected to begin in next summer.
“The movie plans are progressing each week,” Martineau said. “The Niagara community has been so supportive. “
The lead of the film, actor Michael Mahonen, who played Gus Pike in the 1990s CBC drama Road to Avonlea, will be in attendance at the fundraiser.
Diane Corkum, executive director of Project SHARE, said the agency is thrilled to be a part of the event.
“We hope the movie continues to remind people there are still many families who need support.”
The fundraiser will also help the agency to replenish its shelves. Project SHARE is currently in the midst of its annual Christmas program and expects to provide food and toys to approximately 4,500 people this year.
For a full list of activities, visit www.10meninatent.ca.