Angel Tree Christmas Benevolence
Summary
Leading up to Christmas, we put a tree in the foyer decorated with various angel tags. Parish members take an angel and purchase the item listed on the back. St. Paul’s partners with a social service agency in Barrie and asks them for a wish list of Christmas gifts for their clients.
In 2019 we chose the CMHA (CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION) to be the recipient of our Christmas benevolence.
We collected just under $1200 in gift cards which included The Bay, Cineplex, Old Navy, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Swiss Chalet, Tim Horton’s, Walmart, and Wendy’s. We donated almost fifty gifts including thermal socks and underwear, sweat tops and jeans, bath and personal hygiene items.
The items were distributed to those in need as designated by staff which included those of various ages and challenges. Programs serve those with mental health issues, addictions including opioids, at risk youth, adults and seniors.
For more information, check out their website: https://cmhastarttalking.ca/