The Season of Giving

Food Drives

As we head into the Holiday season, we look forward to spending time with loved ones, gift exchanges and favourite dishes at the dinner table. It is also time to think about our community and what we can do to make this holiday special for our friends and neighbours.

Every year, Bouffe Pontiac delivers hampers to families in need throughout the Pontiac. Filled with food and supplies to help families over the holidays, the hampers fill a much needed gap.

The success of the hamper program depends on the generosity of the community and the hard work of the volunteers.

Earlier this month, our grocery stores began in-store food drives and community groups begin collecting boxes and cans to donate.

Schools, hockey teams, service groups and individuals will also play a part to ensure that eveyone in our community enjoys a delicious Christmas dinner.

Bouffe Pontiac, located in Campbell’s Bay is a non-profit agency that operates a food bank and second-hand clothing store. They take donations online through their Facebook Page. @ Banque.alimentaire.du.Pontiac

The Angel Tree

The parade, the lights, and the festive store windows bring magic the Holidays. For some families, it’s the generosity of locals participating in the Angel Tree Project that makes Christmas morning truly special.

Simple paper angels, cut out from construction paper, dangle from a tree at the front door of Stedman’s and at Giant Tiger in Shawville. Each tiny angle is labelled with a child’s age and gender.

Shoppers are invited to select one and purchase a gift for a local child in need of a little magic.

The Angel Tree Project began in 1990 by Bill Atkinson and his wife Dixie. At the time Bill was volunteer firefighter, so he encouraged his comrades to participate, along with thier wives. They understood the need in the community and worked tirelessly to fill it. When he died in 2002, Bill’s children Rick and Angie took on the Angel Tree Project.

With help from the United Church and many other dedicated community members over the years, Bill’s legacy lives on.