Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre (CFEC) executive director Lisa De Paoli says organizers thank all volunteers, partners and businesses for their assistance with the Touch of Christmas and 100 Mile Christmas Shoebox campaigns in December.
“Your generosity in 2013 helped to fill and distribute more CFEC Touch of Christmas hampers and cheer to children and families than ever before. More than 70 families felt the warmth of the Christmas season and wonderful kindness of the South Cariboo community through contributions to the Touch of Christmas campaign.
CFEC staff and volunteers distributed large hampers, including food, gift certificates, new clothing, toys and gifts tailored to the needs of each individual family, De Paoli says.
“This year, we distributed more than three times the number of hampers compared to our first year. It demonstrates the increasing number of families that are in need in the South Cariboo.”
The 100 Mile Christmas Shoebox Program partnered with the Touch of Christmas Campaign in December. It was a great success and the community really came through in the second annual event. “We wanted to send a big thank-you to all who helped out and a huge shout out to the Farrier Pub and Grub for its generous monetary donation, to Lisa Beaubien of Big Lake for the two truckloads of new and handmade items, and to Barb Lincez of 100 Mile House for knitting enough scarves and neck warmers to warm half of our community,” says shoebox organizer Lori Fleming.
“A yard sale also raised $400. A big thank-you goes out to 100 Mile and area residents.”
There are so many people and so many businesses to thank, notes De Paoli. It seems that almost everyone in the South Cariboo was touched by either giving or receiving through the Touch of Christmas, she says, adding every gift was precious and appreciated.
Perhaps the best way to say thank you is in the words of a family that received a hamper, De Paoli adds.
“It is so good to know that people care and that the world isn’t as dark as it sometimes feels. Thank you for taking the stress out of the holidays for my family.
“The hamper allowed us to be able to give our kids a few gifts and helped us with groceries. Much love and good wishes go to all the angels of the Cariboo community.”
The South Cariboo is truly fortunate to have such a caring community, says De Paoli.
“We ask you to continue to consider the needs of children, youth and families throughout the year through your donation of non-perishable food, infant clothing, food and diapers, surplus produce, and cash donations for distribution through the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre.”
Contributions provide important community impacts all year long, she says, adding folks want more information can call the CFEC at 250-395-5155 for further information.
For information about the 2014 100 Mile Shoebox Program, call Lori at 250-791-6232 or 250-397-2010.