SEASON’S GREETINGS
Santa Claus Fund donors sent hundreds of heartfelt letters to the Star’s office this year,
In postmarked letters to the Star, well-wishers express hope their donations will make a difference to a child in need this Christmas.
“I trust this donation will help some deserving children enjoy and celebrate the meaning of Xmas,” one benefactor writes.
“This is always the first gift of the season coming,” another says.
One couple made a donation on behalf of their large family.
“It is our privilege to help you in your wonderful Christmas charity by honouring our own youth, 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, by $10 each.”
The Star receives hundreds of cards every year from those contributing to its Santa Claus Fund, a charity that seeks to light up the eyes of 45,000 underprivileged kids aged newborn to 12 on Christmas Day through its distribution of gift boxes.
A large wreath hangs in the newsroom’s office made up of dozens of such cards. It was put together by staff and the meaning behind it is very much intentional.
“For us, it represents our charity truly does go full circle,” said Barbara Mrozek, the Star’s director of charities and philanthropy, a.k.a. Chief Elf.
“Without the donors, we don’t have a charity,” she said. “It’s heartwarming to receive so many kind words from our donors. A lot of time they’ll thank us for the good work we do, sometimes they’ll include personal notes that they were once-upon-atime recipients and now realize where their gift boxes came from as children and are now paying it forward.”
Some are carrying on the tradition, paying tribute to friends or family.
One woman sent in a cheque in memory of her sister, described as being a wonderful teacher.
“Sometimes we burst into tears when they share their personal stories of either being recipients or donating in memory of their lost loved ones,” Mrozek said.
Donations are both large and small, with those in the cards ranging from $25 to $200. Benefactors also vary. Some are perennial, generational givers. For others, it’s their first time. Their names have been kept anonymous for the sake of privacy.
Recipients receive a warm shirt (toddlers get a fleece-lined tracksuit while newborn infants get a fivepiece set that includes onesies), a warm hat, warm gloves or mittens, socks, a toy, a book, cookies and dental hygiene items (aged 4 and up) inside.
For many of the kids, it’s the only present they’ll receive, which is why the gift boxes aim to cover the basics and then some. Every dollar raised goes toward the cost of the gifts.
Families must reside in one of five municipalities to apply. The list includes Toronto, Mississauga, Pickering, Brampton and Ajax.
“The donations we receive truly do represent the past, present and the future,” Mrozek said. If you have been touched by the Santa Claus Fund or have a story to tell, please email santaclausfund@thestar.ca.