The Creemore
Echo
Friday, November 23, 2018 Vol. 18 No. 47 www.creemore.com
inside the echo
Pedalling a cause
A Christmas Gathering
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
Cyclist supports hospice
News and views in and around Creemore
Mill Street reins this season
Publications Mail Agreement # 40024973
It is a time for giving
Staff photo: Trina Berlo
Senior Wish Foundation Clearview branch lead coordinator Ashley Kelly with one of the donation boxes where people can deposit gifts for seniors who may otherwise go without gifts this Christmas.
Seniors asked to make a wish by Trina Berlo One woman is getting her wish of seeing seniors’ wishes come true this Christmas. Stayner resident Ashley Kelly has launched a Clearview branch of Senior Wish Foundation, which does many things to ensure that lonely seniors aren’t overlooked, especially at Christmas. As a volunteer for the Barrie home branch of Senior Wish Foundation, Kelly experienced the joy of giving a gift to a stranger, someone who otherwise may not have a present to open on Christmas morning. T h e f o u n d a t i o n ’s C h r i s t m a s program takes the names of seniors who are isolated and matches them
with people who are willing and able to buy them a gift. Last year, Kelly bought for two women, neighbours who would get together for meals and companionship. With their wish list in hand, Kelly went out and filled two big bags of presents. Being a volunteer, she was able to deliver the gifts herself and said the experience almost moved her to tears, because of the women’s appreciation and gratitude. “It’s a powerful feeling,” said Kelly. “It’s a great feeling.” “Seniors paved the way for the next generation so it’s nice to give something back,” she said. Kelly is now accepting names of seniors who may like to be included in the program. She then calls them
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all to find out what they would like for Christmas, their preferences, and clothing sizes. She then works to create a list of people who would like to purchase gifts for seniors and matches them. There is no set requirement for spending. The shopper just has to bring the gift to a specific drop-off location on Friday, Dec. 14. The next day, on Saturday, Dec. 15 is wrapping day and everyone is invited to First Baptist Church to make Christmas cards and wrap presents between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Finally, in the last weeks before Christmas, Kelly and a team of 17 Clearview volunteers will deliver the (See “Volunteers” on page 3)
The Creemore Echo is launching its annual food and toy drive. Each Christmas, The Echo collects items for those in need. The gifts will be distributed through Salvation Army Hope Acres and the food will go to Clearview Stayner Food Bank. Toys are needed for the younger children and gift cards (for department stores) are good for older children. Other gift cards, such as movie passes, make good gifts for teens and tweens. The Hope Acres Christmas assistance program distributes to families in Creemore, Everett, Glencairn, Lisle, New Lowell, Mansfield, Rosemont, Angus, Borden, Alliston and all the rural areas in between. The Echo is also accepting monetary donations for both Clearview Stayner Food Bank and Hope Acres. Hope Acres’ Rehabilitation Centre is an alcohol and addiction treatment centre that gets the bare minimum in government funding and also relies on donations. The money helps subsidize Hope Acre’s budget for its programming and often they must supply boots, coats and winter clothing, they are always in need of mittens, to those staying at the centre. All food collected during the drive will be distributed by Clearview Stayner Food Bank, operated by the Clearview Ministerial Association. Anyone in need of assistance from the Salvation Army is asked to call 705466-3435 ext. 228 and leave a message with a call back number. Drop all donations off at The Creemore Echo office, located at 3 Caroline St. W. The toy and food drive runs until Dec. 17.
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