By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
The Gift is once again ready to help local residents unwrap some Christmas goodness.
The community-wide drive, which got its start during the pandemic, will see an army of volunteers gathering donations Nov. 22. Folks are being asked to put a new gift or food donation out on their porch at noon for pickup.
Currently headquartered at Junctura Inc. at 15 Maple Leaf Dr., signs are being painted and volunteers are organized for the drive.
Rocky Gaudrault, Junctura owner and CEO, said he’s happy to be a long-term supporter of The Gift.
“The idea is that we can make an awesome Christmas for anyone who needs it,” Gaudrault told The Voice recently. “This is an effort that represents different levels of support and includes peer support.
“It’s inclusive. We don’t judge and that’s the magic sauce,” he added. “Be loud. Be generous. Lend a hand.”
According to Gaudrault, he likes the way The Gift operates. Volunteers round up donations and bring them to a site where people can come and “shop” for holiday items.
The Gift campaign operates across Chatham-Kent and people are encouraged to access the organization’s webpage to find out where donations will be warehoused and handed out.
Come Together CK executive director Brent Wilken, who is the Blenheim community Gift captain, said people are hurting economically.
“The need is great and the people that are donating are struggling too,” he said. “Whatever amount of donations raised will be going back into the community.”
According to Wilken, who has spearheaded The Gift from the outset, volunteers are enthusiastic and “loving it more than ever.”
“Everyone is welcome,” he added. “There are no religious or political affiliations and we literally have volunteers from Tent City.”
Helping out with The Gift has also helped change lives, he said, adding the good news stories are increasing.
For more information access thegiftck.ca online or call 519-358-1030 for information on your community.
The Gift’s wish list includes non-perishable food items, unwrapped toys, puzzles and games, craft and art supplies, winter coats, scarves, hats and gloves, gift cards, backpacks, clothing, hygiene and self-care products, blankets, sleeping bags, and tents.
