Now in it’s eighth year, Tammie’s Jammies is returning to share the spirit of Christmas giving to children supported by the Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society.
For Port Hope Police Constable Tammie Staples, what started as the gift of brand new pyjamas on Christmas Eve to her newly adopted son, has turned into a tradition that effects literally thousands of children. Staples says that her gift was received with so much joy (they couldn’t get him out of them for days) that she decided to pass that spirit of giving on to more children.
Last year was an exceptional success with over 2100 pairs of new PJs donated and delivered on Christmas morning.
Constable Staples says her goal has already been reached this year when we spoke at the launch party held again this year at the Ganaraska Financial Credit Union in Port Hope. “One pair…anything over that is just a bonus” says Staples.
Staples says she’s thrilled with how the program continues to expand.
In a recent media release, Belleville Police Service said they were proud to join forces with the Port Hope Police Service for Tammie’s Jammies that brings comfort and warmth to children in our community during a time when they need it most.
“This initiative represents the true spirit of the season-coming together as a community to support one another,” said Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Port Hope Police Service and help bring smiles and comfort to children in care during the holidays.”
As mentioned, all pyjamas are given to Highland Shores CAS for children in the foster care system which stretches from just east of Newcastle to Belleville and north to nearly Peterborough.
Port Hope’s Transit Coordinator Jerry Siebarth joined forces with Staples in her second year to expand the reach of the program.
Siebarth says this year, they’ve expanded to financial contributions.
According to Siebarth, all money donated will be held in an account at Ganaraska Financial Credit Union and come December 20, funds received from e-transfer (tammiesjammies@hotmail.com) and all donations held at the bank will be used to purchase new pyjamas for kids from infant up to 18 years old.
Siebarth says they’ll also be collecting on November 29 at the Port Hope Candlelight Festival kick-off and on November 30 at the Santa Claus Parade.
Additionally, the Cobourg Cougars will host a collection event as part of their game with the Wellington Dukes on December 2 at the Cobourg Community Centre. On December 6, the Port Hope Panthers will be host another collection event during their game with the Lakefield Chiefs.
Below is a list of drop-off locations you can use to donate.
Port Hope
A Plus Convenience
Empire Crossing
Extendicare Port Hope
Frosted Flour bakery Mill Street S
Furby Bookstore on Walton
Ganaraska Financial Credit Union
Giant Tiger Port Hope
Haute Goat Farm 1166 Fifth Line Port Hope
Hope Street Terrace
Independent
Jack Burger Sports Complex
Joes Heating and Air Conditioning
Lakeridge Chrysler
Laurier Hyundai
Pharmasave Port Hope
Port Hope Chamber of Commerce
Port Hope High School
Port Hope Police Station
Port Hope Transit + Rolls
Queenies Bakery on Walton Street
Regency Manor
Roseglen Village
Town Hall
Town Park Rec Centre
Cobourg
Black Cat Café
Community Living and Respite
Giant Tiger Cobourg
JJ’s Restaurant
MacCoubrey Funeral Home
Siebarth shared one last item; the joy of giving is something that can’t be understated.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
