Concert collecting gifts for Welland children
Richard VanderHaeghe can’t imagine what it would be like for a child to wake up Christmas morning and have nothing under the tree.
“Younger children might not understand what Christmas means but for the older children, it can be devastating. They’ll come back from Christmas vacation and talk about what they got …”
VanderHaeghe is organizer of the annual Toys for Tots Concert in Welland and he and a group of volunteers work each year to ensure no child goes without a gift.
“If we’re in a position to do something, then we should. It’s the right thing to do. No one involved in this is looking for anything other but to help,” he said Tuesday as he spoke about the upcoming concert.
The concert, started by the late Rosie Smith and former CHOW radio station, has been taking place for more than 30 years. It will be held Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4, 383 Morningstar Ave.
“It’s a great afternoon of entertainment. All we ask is that people bring a new unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item with them.”
VanderHaeghe said toys can be for boys or girls from toddlers on up to tweens.
Once all of the toys are collected, they are given to the City of Welland’s Community Christmas Toy Program. That program then distributes the toys to those in need in the community.
“Parents register for the program and then get to pick one large toy and one small toy,” he said, adding they’ll also get some mittens and a hat.
“It’s a nice little package for Christmas morning.”
While he doesn’t know the number of toys collected, VanderHaeghe said it’s always enough to fill a box truck.
“We’ve been very fortunate over the years to fill a truck.”
As for Sunday’s concert, VanderHaeghe said the kitchen and bar at the legion hall will be open and people can take in bands including Chippewa Dirty, This Time Around, Leather and Lace, Hammerquest and Marty Allen.
“We don’t know how long Marty has been playing here … all of the bands do it for the gratitude, no one gets paid.”
VanderHaeghe said Santa Claus will make an appearance during the day as well.
He asks that anyone in a position to help others in the community come out Sunday and drop off a toy or non-perishable food item.
“There will always be a need for this in the community. It’s unfortunate but it’s a fact.”