Established over 60 years ago, the Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund begins their annual drive to make Christmas more enjoyable for hundreds of local families.
The Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund is a recognized charity whose aim is to make certain that no family with children that are in need of a hamper or support are overlooked at Christmas.
This year, the Christmas Cheer Fund announces a financial goal of $165,000.00. This new total not only ensures our increased demand for hampers are met, but also to meet the high costs of food that is supplied through the Fund’s hamper distribution. The Christmas Cheer Fund supplies area families with enough food for one week, along with a turkey and toys provided through the Toys for Tots campaign.
“Our new goal this year is a reflection of the needs of our community.” Says Linda Gambee, Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund Chair. “With the state of our local economy over the past several years, we have noticed a steady increase in the number of families we support. This new goal will go a long way towards helping all of them.” Gambee continues, “The total number of working poor families in our community is on the rise. This along with the increase of food costs for our organization supports the need for us to increase our goal on a yearly basis.”
To eliminate any costs in the promotion of the campaign, Gambee announces that Intelligent Design Inc. of Thunder Bay has donated all promotional materials, communication pieces, posters and any other materials the fund needs to get the word out. John Ongaro, president of Intelligent Design Inc. says “This organization single handedly changes the lives of thousands of families in our community every year. With their rising costs and with the increase in families they support, paying for posters and promotions requesting the support of our community should not be an expense. Its our privilege to donate our print and design resources to them.”
The Port Arthur Rotary Club established the Christmas Cheer Fund almost 60 years ago. The Rotary Christmas Carol song was introduced in 1979 under then President Gild Adams. The Kinsmen club went on to recognize the Christmas Cheer Fund. In 1953 the News Chronicle came on board with its support. Since 1970 concerned citizens, all of whom are volunteers, have administered the fund now close to 40 years old…