Christmas Cheer distribution sees record demand in Barrie

Day two of Christmas Cheer’s distribution day is underway in Barrie, and if it looks busy, it’s because it is. Food and toy hampers are going out to more than 2,100 families — the most ever on record.

“I think it helps families that can’t afford much, so I think it helps families out a lot,” said volunteer Elisa Cooper.

There are a lot of people helping out on this busy day, getting food and toy hampers loaded up in the parking lot as vehicles move steadily through the distribution lanes.

“A lot of gratitude, a lot of appreciation from everybody coming through,” said reservist Jessica Tavares. “It’s been amazing to feel the Christmas spirit coming through every single lane today. Everyone is being super positive.”

Thousands of hours and hundreds of volunteers are wrapping up what has been a busy several weeks. Christmas Cheer set a goal of half a million dollars in donations this year and, as of Wednesday night, is about $25,000 short.

“Helping 6,000 people, and as of this morning we have accepted another 100 families from our emergency wait list,” said Sandra Yaquo with Christmas Cheer.

With demand at record highs, many are pitching in to help out. About 100 members from 16 Wing at Canadian Forces Base Borden showed up Wednesday to help coordinate the distribution.

“Helping out and helping the community and helping out those that are just having a hard time making things meet — that’s what Christmas is all about,” said Terry Wong, Deputy Wing Commander at 16 Wing. “Us being here helping out, it’s an honour and a privilege to do this.”

Volunteers say they are happy to give their time.

“I just had some extra time on my hands, I’m back for the holidays, and it’s just a really great cause,” said volunteer Sophie Balziel. “Really nice to help out again.”

“Oh big time, yeah,” added volunteer Cole Snow. “It’s always crazy this time of year, but it’s always good to give back to the families in need.”

This year marks the 51st year of Christmas Cheer in Barrie. If people weren’t handing out hampers, they were picking them up and dropping them off.

So a busy two days of distribution here at the Christmas Cheer headquarters has come to an end. However, there will be what’s called emergency pickups Saturday for people who have been on a waiting list. Those people have already been contacted.