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With less than a week to go until Christmas Day, North Bay’s Santa Fund is still short of its goal of $150,000.
“I really believe North Bay will come through,” says Lachlan McLachlan, fund co-chair.
“We’ve always made our goal – touch wood.”
He’s hopeful the annual Carmine Ricciuti Christmas Special at Twigg's Coffee Roasters on Fraser Street, which goes Friday morning beginning at 6 a.m. will help top of the fund as it has historically done.
The event runs until 9 a.m.
The fund has raised $60,000 this season as of early Wednesday afternoon.
New this year is the ability to donate online.
McLachlan says he has received donations from the United States and as far away as British Columbia.
The Santa Fund, now in its 66th year, serves more than 800 families, including about 1,700 children.
The Santa Fund is the city's largest fundraising effort and packing and delivering hampers is a Christmas tradition for many.
“It’s an exciting family time and an exciting spiritual time,” said McLachlan.
Packing and delivery of baskets will take place at Troy Armouries on December 22 at 2 p.m., with delivery the following day starting at 9 a.m.
To take part, simply show up.
“People want to help others, it’s part of what North Bay is all about,” McLachlan says.
You can make your donation online or at the Nugget at 259 Worthington Street West, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. and you will receive an official tax receipt.
For more on the North Bay’s Santa Fund visit http://www.santafund.ca/
