Thunder Bay, ON, November 23rd, 2018 – Over the past decade, more than 4000 Dilico Christmas Wish Bags have been provided to thousands of children and babies in need over the holiday season. Today, marks the launch of the tenth annual Dilico Anishinabek Family Care Christmas Wish Campaign, as the organization announced a goal to fill 850 wish bags with the support of the community.
“The most special and unique part about the Christmas Wish Campaign is the fact that you know exactly where your donation is going. Each bag is individualized for a local baby, or little boy or girl in need. They all come with a special tag that gives details about the child who will receive the gift bag, such as their age and Christmas wishes. Our Dilico elves then ensure the children receive the Wish Bags just in time for Christmas;” says Carmela Hardy, Director of Child Welfare at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care.
Those who participate in the Dilico Christmas Wish Campaign will be provided with a Wish Bag that they can pack with essential items, toys, books, clothing and learning tools for babies, children and youth, between the ages of 0 and 18.
“Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is asking the community to think of children this holiday season, especially today and this weekend when you are out taking advantage of those Black Friday sales,” says Darcia Borg, Executive Director of Dilico Anishinabek Family Care . “Today is known as the first day of the holiday shopping season, so embrace the true spirit of Christmas and fill a bag for a child in need. The Dilico Christmas Wish Campaign helps make the holidays so much brighter for children and families who sometimes find the season to be a difficult time. As a community we can come together to make this campaign a success. Be a part of making a child’s Christmas wish come true.”
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care announced details of the campaign alongside the Grade 12 drama students from St.Patrick High School, who have been supporting the initiative for the past four years by filling bags and promoting the campaign during their annual holiday theatre production. The St.Patrick High School Drama Class will be accepting donations and will serve as an additional drop-off and pick-up location for Wish bags during their perfomances of Christmas in the Land of Oz on December 6th and 7th.
To participate in the campaign and get your wish bag, more details are available on the Dilico Christmas Wish Facebook page (www.facebook.com/DilicoChristmasWish), or by calling the Elf Hotline at: (807) 345-3763. You can also visit any of the identified pick up and drop off locations: Firedog Communications, Dilico Heath Park Site, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care (Mon- Fri 9:00 am- 4:00 pm), or Intercity Shopping Centre on Thursdays and Saturdays in front of American Eagle (for times see schedule). The deadline to register for a Christmas Wish Bag is December 9th, with all bags needing to be filled and returned by Monday, December 10th.
A special Meegwetch to Sovereign Dental. The local dentist funded the purchase of the Christmas Wish bags and will be providing tooth brushes for children receiving bags this year.
