The 73rd annual North Bay Santa Fund is gearing up and needs the support and generosity of North Bay.
With over 600 families and 1,500 children on this year’s “Nice List”, the Santa Fund is looking at one of their most challenging years due to the global pandemic.
“This year we are partnering with the City of North Bay and using Memorial Gardens for packing and delivery day. This was a huge help for us as the Chippewa Barracks was not available because of the pandemic,” said Santa Fund Chair, Scott Clark.
Each year, individuals and groups in the community come up with creative ways to support the cause.
The packing and delivery of hampers is a Christmas tradition for many residents. Many volunteers brave the weather to help ensure that families don’t go without during the holidays. This year, North Bay’s Santa Fund needs to raise $140,000 to ensure that its goal is met, one of the larger goals in the history of the fund.
“For 73 years, the Fund has made sure that every family has food on the table and gifts under the tree at Christmas, and this year, we are asking that the citizens of North Bay to really step up to support those in the community who are less fortunate,” said Clark. "The biggest difference this year will be regarding the packing and delivering of food baskets and toys – it will be carried out by the women and men of our Canadian Forces and Special Elves under strict guidance from the North Bay and District Health Unit."
If you are a family in need or know a family in need within the North Bay city limits, applications for Santa Fund assistance are now available online at santafund.ca or visit the office located at 127 Main Street East, until December 4. The office is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, Monday to Friday (special arrangements can be made if necessary), and the deadline for applications: December 4.
The following information is required: your name, address, phone number, children’s names and ages, rent receipt, utility bills, 60-day bank statement, and tax assessment or Canada Child Benefit(CCB). You need to show verification that the children reside with you. (Names listed on income stub or verified with current Child Tax Credit or current bank statement and CRA stub.)
Please note: if you’re referring a family for assistance, they’ll need to meet the verification process as well. Feel free to bring them to the office listed above. Bring your current hydro bill and apply for the new program, OESP, for hydro subsidies.
