'North Bay should be extremely proud of themselves,' Mitchell

Young Mr. Waltenbury sweetens up Jamie Boudreau's basket during the annual Santa Fund basket pack up Thursday night.

Residents of North Bay gathered at the Troy Armoury Thursday night and with military precision packed the over 800 Santa Fund baskets for North Bay's less fortunate families.

The baskets, which contain everything needed for a Christmas dinner, as well as a few other food items, were delivered this morning.

The volunteers ranged from the Armed Force's 26th service battalion to families to students looking to give back to the community.

“I’m here filling baskets for the Santa Fund for those who unfortunately can’t afford what we can,” says Widdifield student Jamie Boudreau.

Bourdeau, who received the YMCA’s Peace Medallion for his charity work this year, says volunteering is what he can do to help make the holidays special for everyone.

“I’m giving back, giving back is all I can do so and probably what I’m best at … and it brings me joy.”

Lana Mitchell, Executive Director for Low Income People Involvement (LIPI) says the Santa Fund takes the heat off of the over 800 city families in the city allowing them to have a special holiday knowing they can pay their rent and hydro.

“A lot of relief will hit families in North Bay,” she says.

“They can pay their rent and pay the hydro. You know we are not dealing with a whole whack of eviction notices. Hydro notices, gas notices things going out in January and February, because this give people that leverage where they can still get maybe that one gift and they’re not using the hydro money cause a chunk of groceries have been covered for a week.”

“So I think it is an awesome program and North Bay should be extremely proud of themselves.”



The Santa Fund, which provided gifts to 25 families in North Bay in 1948, was started by Sam Jacks, Ed Dewey and Art Haley through the fire department. At the time Haley was the chief of the fire department.

Music for the basket packing was provided by Mark Robinson and Pat O’Kane aka ‘Guys Without Ties’.