The North Bay Santa Fund is hoping to see an "avalanche" of donations in the next couple of days as it sits about $90,000 short of its $217,000 goal.
The charity delivers Christmas spirit, gifts and food to more than 550 families with 1,200-plus children inside city limits.
Organizers say in a news release, that the Carmine Ricciuti Christmas Show, generated more than $40,000 in online and in-person contributions Friday. The annual three-hour special, hosted by KISS 100.5 at Twiggs Coffee vaulted the 75th anniversary Santa Fund campaign over the $120,000 mark.
See: Another successful Carmine Ricciuti Christmas Special
Fundraisers organized by individuals and small businesses combine with corporate donations to make the annual giving of Christmas hampers a success. The Bay Bundle deliveries of Christmas gift baskets took place Sunday, as an example, with a further $3,500 hoped to be raised for the Santa Fund.
See: Bay Bundle sells out, supports local business and the Santa Fund
“There are so many work events, gatherings and fundraisers happening all over our fair city to help those in need. It's truly humbling to see people helping their fellow citizens during this challenging time of the year,” said Geoff Richardson, co-chair of the 2022 Santa Fund. "And this is one of the most challenging Santa Fund campaigns ever with an economic chill following two years of pandemic hardship at the same time costs escalated substantially."
Undaunted by the task, organizers have toys, food and holiday staples lined up as the tradition of hamper-packing returns, beginning at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 22 at the Commerce Court campus of Canadore College.
Notable donations include: Redpath, Knight Piesold, One Red Maple, North Bay Realtor Association, NOAH Strong, McDougall Energy, Enbridge, Sunset Public School.
Online donations total $39,702
YTD donations deposited $82,273.86
Meanwhile, Major Stephanie Watkinson of the Salvation Army North Bay Ministries tells BayToday that as of December 17th, "we have achieved 62 per cent of our goal through the hard work of many volunteers and many generous donations."
The goal that was set in mid-November was $225,000, which supports Christmas assistance and also year-round programming of the food bank, summer camps, apartment setups, and clothing vouchers.
"It is our hope that in the next six days, the community of North Bay will continue to support our work by donating to our campaign."
Donations are accepted at all kettle locations which are all equipped with Tip Tap machines, at the church location (134 McIntyre Street East) or via online at www.salvationarmy.ca/northbay
