By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – If experience is the best teacher, volunteering to make sure everyone has a Christmas is sure to impart a lasting lesson.
Angel Kikkert and her children Ethan, 11, Rory, 8, and Talen, 5, spent hours looping in a large distribution system, as they helped fill baskets with free food and toys for 1,285 families. The hours flew by and a cold draft crept though the building, but the smile on all four never faded.
“I want my kids to know that not everybody is as lucky as we are – and some people do need a helping hand,” said Kikkert. “This time of year isn’t about taking presents, it’s about giving.”
The Children’s Christmas Fund initiative spearheaded by the Cornwall and District Service Club Council, a day-long effort to help local residents during the holidays, filled the Cornwall Armoury on Thursday, Dec. 18.
After handing his mom a bag of potatoes, Ethan said the best part of paying it forward is the satisfaction of helping others in the community.
Organizers Peter Morgan and Terry Muir said more than 250 volunteers came together to make the event happen. At anytime within the 12-hour initiative, at least 100 do-gooders were on hand.
“There’s no shortage of help,” said Muir.
He applauded Kendra Smith of the Agape Centre for keeping the beehive of activity in order.
“Last year, we learned from experience that there needs to be somebody who coordinates the volunteers,” said Morgan.
The Children’s Christmas Fund collected over $45,000 this year thanks to a partnership with the Agape Centre and the Salvation Army. In order to receive the complimentary Christmas basket, those interested had to register and show up at the armoury between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Muir estimates that 4,000 people will benefit from the annual initiative.
“No one in Canada should go without food, but somehow this happens – so we have to fill the void,” said Morgan.
He added that civic pride is at an all-time high during the charitable event.
“There wouldn’t be the same spirit there is in Cornwall during Christmas time without this day or the people who make it happen,” said Morgan.
Ralph Brunton, organizer of the Optimist Toy Drive, said their partnership with Sparky’s Toy Drive, Salvation Army, business sponsors, and local high schools resulted in a larger-than-usual amount of gifts for youths. The Optimist Club of Cornwall took over the toy drive this year.
“We stepped up to the plate,” said Brunton. “It was challenging, but the support from this community made it worthwhile.”
Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School and St. Joseph’s Secondary School donated a combined $2,000 for gift cards for teens along with a large haul of toys.
Brunton thanked Frank Hunter, who previously spearheaded the toy drive before stepping down due to health issues, for his tireless efforts.
The SD&G Highlanders also worked for days to prepare their beloved training grounds for the event.
