The spirit of the season was in the air this week when the Innisfil Lions Club donated to five local organizations.
“On behalf of the Innisfil Lions Club, we would like to thank the Innisfil community for their support in 2023," said Alison Jacks, the president of the Innisfil Lions Club. "This support and generosity has allowed us to increase our annual Christmas donations to $5,000."
The Innisfil Food Bank, Christmas For Kids (All Year Round), Candlelighters Simcoe, Barrie & District Christmas Cheer and Independent Living Services Of Simcoe County each received a cheque of $1,000.
"We are truly grateful to the Innisfil Lions for their donation; their support will really make a difference for our Christmas4Kids program. This amazing group does so much for our community,’ said Anne Kell, the secretary of Christmas For Kids (All Year Round).
In a press release dated Dec. 5, 2023, Barrie & District Christmas Cheer shared that they were dangerously underfunded, as they stated that “Christmas Cheer is currently sitting at $80,000 raised which is a far cry from their ultimate goal of raising $400,000 — a massive increase from last year’s goal.”
"At this point in the campaign, we've seen a surge in applications compared to previous years and it’s only the beginning go December," shared Steph Quenneville, president of Christmas Cheer. "We're relying on the community to unite and help meet the demand; currently, our bank account is running low.”
When it comes to providing for families in need within Simcoe County, every dollar counts.
“Innisfil Food Bank surpassed all of last year's numbers (of visitors) the first week of October this year so we are extremely grateful for the ongoing and generous support of The Lions Club as we strive to serve the people in our community that experience food insecurity,” said Donna VanBodegom, food bank coordinator of the Innisfil Food Bank.
“In addition to the donations made to local groups who help those in need at Christmas, we were pleased to make a donation to Candlelighters Simcoe, a local organization that helps the families of those living with childhood cancer. Supporting people who are struggling with childhood cancer is a global initiative of Lions International,” Jacks said.
“We support families of children with cancer in Simcoe County and (the) surrounding area financially and emotionally. We offer tutoring, Christmas programs, teen group programs and support meetings,” said Angela Kuypers of Candlelighters Simcoe.
To learn more about the Innisfil Lions Club — and the causes they support — please check out their website or contact the club via email.