Photo (Left to Right): Hunter Davis, Grahame Richardson, Katie Wilson-Martel (Volunteer Coordinator Fare Share), Meghan Flindall (Executive Director, Fare Share), and Cheryl Baker (The Giving Tree Coordinator)
The Northumberland Giving Tree celebrated its 36th year in 2024, bringing holiday joy to 1,060 children across the county.
Founded in 1989, the Giving Tree ensures no child wakes up without a gift on Christmas morning. Coordinator Cheryl Baker credits the program’s success to the generosity of local residents and businesses, as well as the dedication of volunteers.
The Giving Tree runs each holiday season at Northumberland Mall, where shoppers can pick a child’s name from the tree and purchase a gift.
Partnering with Salvation Army Family Services, the program works with 18 local organisations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rebound Youth Services, and Community Living Respite Services.
Baker tells us these agencies help identify the need, and volunteers and the community do the rest.
Since its inception, the Giving Tree has delivered gifts to over 42,500 children. Volunteers sort, package, and deliver the gifts before Christmas, ensuring they reach families in time.
Baker tells us those volunteers are the backbone of the campaign.
Thanks to this year’s efforts, over a thousand children had a brighter Christmas.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
