The Canadian Mental Health Association's Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addictions Services is seeking donations from the community toward their annual Christmas store.
Fundraising, Special Events & Media Relations Coordinator, Don Vail, explained the event allows about 80 of their clients to shop for gifts to give.
"It's an opportunity for the clients of CMHA grey Bruce to actually do some shopping and it doesn't cost them anything. The community comes together and they make donations of different gifts. These clients are able to go do a little shopping," said Vail. "And they can pick out gifts that they want to give to others."
He pointed out the event wouldn't be possible without support from local residents and businesses. Vail stressed every donation counts, from toys for children to essential items for adults. People can drop off unwrapped gifts suitable for all ages, sizes, and genders at 1024 2nd Ave East in Owen Sound before December 1. The Christmas Store will open for invited clients December 13.
"Staff come together. Volunteers come together. They dress up. They're elves," described Vail. "And they make sure that it's an absolutely wonderful time for all the different clients that are doing the shopping. The music is playing. There's always some treats as well and we even have elves there that will help wrap the gifts."
Vail pointed out the Christmas store is a beacon of hope for CMHA Grey Bruce clients, many of whom face financial challenges that make holiday gifting a distant dream. He said the Christmas Store is designed to change this narrative.
"This time of the year is tough for a lot of people," concluded Vail. "And if your funds aren't there, then it's really hard to give gifts the way that you may want to give gifts and this is just one of those opportunities to make someone smile this holiday season."
