Who are We and What Do We Do?
A Northumberland community project of volunteers that work with about 15 agencies to provide children in need with Christmas gifts. We coordinate with other community groups as well as the Salvation Army who provides the food support for families.
Our History
This project originated in 1989 by the Children’s Aid Society then evolved to become a community project overseen by volunteers. (2022 is the 34th year for this project)
How does it Work?
Each year, names of children who would benefit from receiving a gift at Christmas are gathered from many service agencies across Northumberland County. Names along with information to guide gift buying are put on a Christmas tree in the Northumberland Mall. We depend on generous shoppers to choose a name and purchase a gift for a child then bring it back to the tree. There is also information provided on which local businesses will provide a discount when The Giving Tree card is presented.
We also rely on generous donations from local service clubs and businesses and Northumberland Mall that provides space for this project.
Our many volunteers work many shifts at the Mall, manning the tree, sorting the packages and delivering the gifts before Christmas.
When and Where?
The tree is set up just after Remembrance Day for 3 weeks until early December each year in the Northumberland Mall.
How Many?
The Giving Tree provides for over 1000 children. Since its inception, over 40,000 children have had a brighter Christmas because of our caring community.
Who to Contact for More Information?
Cheryl Baker, The Giving Tree Coordinator can be reached at 905-269-0931 or northumberlandgivingtree@gmail.com
Check us out on FaceBook by searching “The Giving Tree”(Northumberland).
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
