The Peterborough Examiner e-edition

Santa Sleigh drive aiming to put a smile on kids’ faces

ALEX SCHUMMER EXAMINER REPORTER ASCHUMMER@PETERBOROUGHDAILY.COM CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT EXAMINER

Santa made an appearance at the Walmart on Chemong Road on Thursday afternoon to kick off the 33rd annual Santa Sleigh program.

The program helps ensure that every child and youth involved with the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society receives a Christmas present. Donations are being collected until Dec. 5 at 1 p.m.

“We have a tree here with a number of names and Christmas wishes on them from children,” said Carrie Truman, executive director of Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation.

“So, we’re inviting the community to come pick a name off the tree, shop for the gift, and drop it off in our sleigh here. Then we’ll make sure that the gift gets delivered to the child before the holidays.”

Truman noted that for those who already have too much Christmas shopping on their plate, gift cards and monetary donations are also greatly appreciated. Those funds will be used to purchase presents for any remaining names on the tree.

“We love how generous the people in this community are,” she said. “They really help us meet our goal of making sure that every child who has a wish on the tree gets a gift.”

Last year, Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation was able to deliver gifts to 850 children through the Santa Sleigh program, explained Truman.

“We’re looking at very similar numbers this year,” she said.

The Santa Sleigh program has been held at the same location for several years now, said Truman, but people can also make donations through the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society website.

“Together we can put a smile on their face this holiday season.”

The gifts are budget friendly, though Truman said people are welcome to spend more if they like.

“We’re happy to have people spoil the children if that’s what they want to do,” she said. “These are just suggestions, and they can go as big or small as they want, based on the suggestions on the card.”

One child, eight-year-old Victoria, hopes for Pokémon cards, books or a toboggan. Another, three-yearold Harper, is wishing for a Paw Patrol truck or car.

Truman thanked all the volunteers and organizations that have helped make this event possible, including East Peterborough Lions Club and the Peterborough and Kawarthas Association of Realtors.

“We’d just love for everyone to come out and help put smiles on children’s faces this holiday season, by picking a name, buying a gift, and helping us out here at the sleigh,” she said. “We couldn’t do this without you all. Thank you so very much.”

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2022-11-25T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-11-25T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://thepeterboroughexaminer.pressreader.com/article/281547999900708

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