Orléans residents have proven once again that they are among the most giving people in Canada, as they have opened their hearts and wallets to help the less fortunate members of our community this holiday season.
The season of giving started with Santa’s Parade of Lights where parade-goers filled the firefighters’ boots and used the Tap the Boot app to donate more than $22,000, which has already been used to buy thousands of toys for children whose families are facing financial hardship.
Although Orléans residents have always been generous in the past, parade organizer Bob Rainboth was blown away by both the sheer number of people who came out to see the parade and the money and toys they donated.
Ottawa’s firefighters were at it once again on Saturday, Dec 7, when they held their annual Firefighters Food Drive at area grocery stores in support of the Orléans-Cumberland food bank.
The firefighters collected more than 26,500 food items and over $14,500 in monetary donations which will go a long way to meet the demand not only over the holiday season, but well into the New Year.
Orléans residents and business owners have also donated several thousand dollars in support of the Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre’s Christmas pro-gram which will be used to support more than 400 families.
While Christmas is only a few days away, the OCCRC is still encouraging members of the community to donate to the program and the food bank by visiting their website at www.crcoc.com.
This past Sunday, more than 200 people dropped by Taproom 260 to support the Christmas Angels program and help raise more than $10,000 in the process. The money will be used to purchase gift cards for children who are being treated for severe illnesses such as cancer.
Last, but by no means least, Saltwater Santas Tony Sullivam and Bob Presland had already collected more than $15,000 in donations from visitors to Sullivan’s Christmas light display on Sugar Creek Way with two more weeks left to go.
The money raised will be distributed to various charities in Ottawa and Orléans over the coming weeks.
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d'Arc. For more info visit 
OYSTER NIGHT every Wednesday from 6-9 pm at the Orléans Brewing Co. Two types of oysters served with lemon, Tobasco, horseradish, salt and mignonette. The Orléans Brewing Co. is located at 4380 Innes Rd., next to McDonalds.
OPEN MIC NIGHT at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way. Registration begins at 7 p.m. Music at 8 p.m. with your host Matthew Palmer.
HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET hosted by the Heart of Orléans BIA in the Orléans Festival Plaza on Centrum Blvd. Featuring local artisans and food vendors. The annual lighting of the Orléans Festival Plaza and Christmas tree will also be taking place.
WELLNESS FAIR from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Promenade Senior Suites, 150 Rossignol Drive. Join us for a fun-filled day of health, home, and happiness! Explore over a dozen local vendors, from health pros and realtors to crafters and more, while enjoying refreshments and community fun. Learn, shop, and connect with local experts, and bring your friends and family along. Everyone is welcome! 
