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.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS MARKET from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with 85 local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION 
ORLEANS FAMILY FUN FEST FOR FATHER'S DAY from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Pierre Rocque Park, 1257 Joseph Drouin Ave. Presented by Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Ottawa, A donation of $20 or more to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa is encouraged upon entry, but not mandatory. 100% of the proceeds from this event fund our life-changing work for youth facing adversity across the city. Learn more about us at 
TRIVIA NIGHT every Tuesday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans from 7:30 p.m. Free to play and prize for the winning team! The Royal Oak is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near the corner of Jeanne d'Arc Blvd. For more information visit 
MUSIC IN THE PARK SERIES featuring the group Valley Montain under the Domes on the Navan Fairgrounds presented by the Navan Community Association starting at 7 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE Refreshments will be available for purchase.
DJ NIGHT at the Orléans Brewing Co., 4380 Innes Rd. (near the McDonalds) from 7-10 p.m. to 6 p.m. Join us and our roster of DJs every Thursday, and jumpstart your weekend fun, a day ahead! 
CUMBERLAND FARMERS MARKET from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with 85 local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION
