Giving others a gift of hope
Posted By ANTHONY BAGLIO
Posted 2 months ago
This holiday season, Holly United Church is hoping to make a difference for others half way across the world who have nothing to celebrate Christmas with this year.
The local parish is giving the gift of hope this holiday season to Dominican families in their time of need.
" We are hosting a fundraising dinner, in hopes to raise money and much needed supplies, but also we want to raise awareness," said Deb Charbonneau, the Barrie church's promotions and office manager. "We want people to realize there are others in the world with nothing."
The 'Holiday Party of Hope' will be held at Holly United Church, 211 Marsellus Dr. on Dec. 2 from 6 p. m. to 9 p. m. A spaghetti dinner and desserts will be served.
"There'll be live entertainment throughout the night, plenty of games for kids, prizes and draws," Charbonneau said. "It's going to be an interesting event."
All money raised from the party will go directly towards food, clothing, educational support, medical supplies and transportation of the supplies that will be sent to the Dominican Republic.
"Along with the supplies, we will be sending two youth, Samantha Short and Melissa Bazely, to help out. They will also be supplying medical facilities and orphanages. There are quite a few families to help, many with no families."
Short said she's excited to be embarking on her trip, and she knows she'll be busy.
"I've been there (Dominican Republic) before doing relief work," Short said. "We do freelance orphanage work, so we help with feeding, cleaning and working with the kids."
Short and Bazely will both be heading over for at least three months to aid in the relief effort.
The girls will distribute the donations and money raised here in Barrie throughout the island. Those attending the fundraiser are asked to bring items to donate to the foreign families, such as toiletries, clothing and small toys.
All donations will be sent with the money raised to the Dominican Republic in time for Christmas.
Tickets are $15 dollars in advance at the church, and $20 at the door. Children ages five to 12 are $5 and those under age five are free.
Anthony Baglio is the Examiner's intern from the YMCA
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Helping others
The holiday party of hope will be held at Holly United Church, 211 Marsellus Dr. on Dec. 2 from 6 p. m. to 9 p. m. A spaghetti dinner and desserts will be served.
