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Angels support County’s christmas campaign for children

Kinsmen-angelsCHEERS! to residents, schools, businesses and organizations who rose to the challenge of creating a bountiful Christmas for approximately 300 children in the County this year.

Donations to the annual Christmas Angel Campaign were bursting out of several rooms in the Kin Hall at Benson Park Monday.

Picton Kinsmen elves helped to load brightly coloured presents and food baskets from a van donated for use by Picton Home Hardware.

The list of supporters and volunteers, says Chief Angel Susan Rose, is extensive and includes people of all ages working to make a merry Christmas for County families.

Though Rose has been the lead angel for the campaign for the past 30 years, she notes she is always surprised and pleased to see how so many people come together to help.

Supporters may choose an angel from the tree and purchase Christmas gifts, or made donations of new toys, new clothing or winter boots.

Donations of food were also made, along with gifts, books and some clothing.

“We serve many families, not just those who are on social assistance, but also those who are working poor. We are here to give a hand up to help out,” said Rose, adding some people just can’t manage to pay the hydro bill and also provide a warm winter coat for a child.

This year the campaign was partnered with the new Children’s Foundation branch which opened this year in the County.

Below, just a few of the contributors this year:

pure-county-angelsPure County was back in the Angel Office again this year to show its support.

Hamilton-Beach-angelsAngels from Hamilton Beach showed their support for the County’s Christmas Angel Campaign. -Justine MacDonald photo

Logan Burns contemplates what he will say when he visits Santa at the Angel Office, at Kin Hall, Benson Park.

Logan Burns contemplates what he will say when he visits Santa at the Angel Office, at Kin Hall, Benson Park.

County children met Santa Claus Saturday morning at the Kin Hall at Benson Park. John Zandarin made arrangements with chief angel Susan Rose for Santa to hear the most important wishes of children this year.

The Angel Campaign is well under way with many volunteers putting together donations to assist Santa’s elves make Christmas merry for about 300 County children this year.

Kinsmen elves will be assisting Santa with delivery this year.

Josie Lewis was a little shy to discuss her Christmas list but was happy to tell Santa about her dogs.

Josie Lewis was a little shy to discuss her Christmas list but was happy to tell Santa about her dogs.

Angel office elves Kelli Anne Maycock, of PECI, and volunteer Justine MacDonald, photographer, with mum Lanna.

Angel office elves Kelli Anne Maycock, of PECI, and volunteer Justine MacDonald, photographer, with mum Lanna.

Oliver and Chief Angel Sue Rose found Santa to be funny as well as a jolly, happy soul.

Oliver and Chief Angel Sue Rose found Santa to be funny as well as a jolly, happy soul.

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venture-students-angel-delivery

venture-angels

Venture program students Colleen Ball, Elise ens, Chloe MacDonald and Monica Lindsey are in the final week of working to make Christmas merry for County children in need. – Roanna Kitchen photo

By Roanna Kitchen

Prince Edward Collegiate Institute students and staff are working to make a merry Christmas for County families – one child at a time.

Their mission is to gather donations that allow children of families in need to enjoy traditions and experiences the holidays bring.

Teacher Greer Koutroulides co-ordinates the giving, integrated within the school’s Venture program which is designed to create young leaders and get them involved in the community.

This year, the Venture history class has organized the event, and all home room classes are participating by selecting a child to support.

The campaign is in high gear for completion by Wednesday, Dec. 16th giving the Grade 10 class time to prepare and deliver the gifts to the Angel office located at Benson Hall in Picton.

“Some students are also doing this on their own time,” Koutroulides said.

Families in need of assistance have provided descriptions for the “Angels” on the Christmas tree at the hall, including age, gender, sizes, and interests.

Under the guidance of chief angel Susan Rose, donations from organizations, businesses, groups, and members of the community will assist approximately 300 children in the County this year.

Koutroulides noted that last year, teacher Steve Mee’s class was able to raise
enough money to buy a bicycle for their child.

“The parent later wrote into the Angel Office explaining his gratitude and thanks as he was extremely touched by the students’ actions.”

Venture students agree.

“It just really makes you realize Christmas isn’t about the getting, but the giving,” said Ruby Gaudette.

“It evolves around the concept of the pride of giving,” said Chase Lavender.

“It connects us to our community,” said Cole St. Pierre.
* * *
santa-in-Picton

Santa Claus will be at the Angel Office at Benson Hall, on King Street Picton Saturday, Dec 12th from 10am-2pm. Bring a donation of food or a new toy and have your photograph taken with Santa. Everyone welcome!

* * *

hot-chocolate-for-angelsCHEERS! to Chris, Kayla and Alysha who sold hot chocolate at the Santa Claus parade and donated their money to the Christmas angel office 🙂

More donations to this year's campaign from Harmony House.

More donations to this year’s campaign from Harmony House.

kids-helping-kids-onlineKids Helping Kids is hosting an auction on Facebook Dec. 1 and 2 to raise funds for the Christmas Angel Campaign. Click below to view and buy.

https://www.facebook.com/events/896837033728248/
* * *

NOV. 18 - Angels from Harmony House drop off donations to help make Christmas brighter for County children.

NOV. 18 – Angels from Harmony House drop off donations to help make Christmas brighter for County children.

105-angelsUPDATE: Just day three into the campaign, there are 120 angels on the tree in need of Christmas sharing.

County’s Christmas Angel Campaign under way

NOV. 12 – There’s no snow on the ground, but there’s plenty of Christmas spirit at Prince Edward County’s Angel Office.

Chief Angel Susan Rose officially opened the office Thursday and by lunch time there were more than 40 boys and girls’ names placed on the tree in hopes angels in the community will come forward in the spirit of the season.

Rose expects the annual campaign will again serve more than 300 children by the time delivery day arrives in December.

Though the Angel Office has helped to make Christmas a happier one for County children for about 30 years, Rose says she’s always surprised and pleased to see people new to the area come in to find out how they can help.

Supporters may choose an angel from the tree and purchase Christmas gifts, or made donations of new toys, new clothing or winter boots.

Donations of food are also welcome as the campaign keeps an eye on children’s favourites, and as well often assists with the purchase of turkeys and trimmings.

“We serve many families, not just those who are on social assistance, but also those who are working poor. We are here to give a hand up to help out,” said Rose, adding some people just can’t manage to pay the hydro bill and provide a warm winter coat for a child.

Gifts of cash are also welcomed.

The Prince Edward County Angel Christmas Campaign headquarters is at the Benson Park building on King St., in Picton.

Applications are available at offices of the CAS, Ontario Works, The Hub and at the campaign office. Forms must be signed by one if these associations.

Contact Susan Rose, co-ordinator, 613-848-7750 or email susan.rose@highlandshorescas.com This year the campaign is working with the new Children’s Foundation branch, which opened this year in the County.

NOTE: Watch this space for community news and updates on the campaign.

The annual Kids Helping Kids fundraising concert is on hiatus this year and instead will take the form of an online auction.

“Sadly the show will not be happening this year due to various reasons, however we have decided to host an online auction so that the Christmas Angel program will still receive a donation to buy needed Christmas gifts,” said Victoria Rutherford.

The auction will be held on the Facebook 24/7 Prince Edward County Yardsale. Photos are to be available Nov. 30th and bidding is set to start at 1am on Dec. 1st until 1am on Dec. 2nd. Winners are to be announced Dec. 3rd.

“We hope you will consider participating in this worthwhile cause. Just think, you can do some Christmas shopping from the comfort of your own home and do something nice for someone else at the same time,” said Rutherford.
angel-campaign

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  1. Jose says:

    Thank you for all you do to support the community and everybody here.

  2. Theresa Durning says:

    This is all about “community” and Susan Rose has served our community, well, for many years! Thank you Susan!!

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