By Pearl Akers
I think this has been the most successful of the 14 years of Children’s Christmas Wishes. I was concerned with all the restrictions, limitations, closures and stress we’ve all had to endure this past year, that the Wishes project might be in trouble.
As it happened, the Royal Bank which had been the drop-off/collection point for 13 years was not able to participate this year due to Covid, but the local library came through in a blink. As fast as I put the tags on the tree, they were scooped up by donors and people were asking for more. Even wishes which came in at the last minute were taken. Thirty-one donors plus Sobeys staff bought almost $3000 worth of gifts for 47 children.
Thanks to Sobeys management for continuing to supply the little tree and provide space for me and also to Nancy at Sobeys who co-ordinated the staff donations. I am indebted to the Library staff who came through at the last minute to collect the gifts. Of course, I could not do this without the assistance of the Foodbank who collect the wishes for me and allow me to distribute them with their food/gift hampers. I also want to express my appreciation for the Co-operator for publishing the article in November, to help spread the word. But MOST OF ALL, thanks to all the donors; none of this would be possible without your kindness, spending your time, energy and money. You have brightened the Christmas of 47 children.
I wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year with better days ahead in 2021.
[Editor's Note: An incorrect version of this story ran in the March 2021 printed issue of the Cooperator. We apologize to the author for the error.]