Orléans residents have proven once again that they are among the most giving people in Canada, as they opening their hearts and wallets to help the less fortunate members of our community this holiday season.
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| Firefighters, volunteers and staff at the Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre all pitched in to make this year’s Firefighters Food Drive another huge success. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO |
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 $15,000, which has already been used to augment the more than 4,000 toys that were either collected during the Parade of Lights and the Help Santa Toy Parade, or have been dropped off at fire stations across the city.
Area firefighters will be happy to continue to accept toys at local fire stations in Orléans right up until Christmas Eve.
Ottawa’s firefighters were at it once again on Saturday, Dec 6, when they held their annual Firefighters Food Drive at area grocery stores in support of the Orléans-Cumberland food bank.
The firefighters collected 19,675 food items and over $8,850 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 over $105,000 as of
Dec. 12 for the Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre’s Christmas program including a $40,000 donation from Orléans Toyota.
The money raised will be used to support over 1,885 individuals during the holiday season almost half of whom are children.
The Resource Centre is still accepting donations to the program in the hope of reaching their goal of $250,000. Donations can be made at www.crcoc.ca/christmas.
Other fundraising efforts were held in conjunction with the Cumberland Christmas Market, the National Capital Artisans Christmas Craft Show and the Heart of Orléans Christmas Night Market.
Elsewhere, more than 100 people dropped by Taproom 260 to support the Christmas Angels program and help raise more than $10,000 in the process through a silent auction, raffle and corporate donations. The money will be used to purchase gift cards for 10 local families of children who are being treated for severe illnesses such as cancer.
ORLÉANS FARMERS’ MARKET from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Orléans Town Centre Plaza, 290 Centrum Blvd. Browse 130+ local vendors, grab a bite, and discover amazing handmade and local finds. Plenty of parking available.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS’ MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with a variety of local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION
MILLENNIUM PARK BBQ hosted by Orléans South-Navan councillor Catherine Kitts and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe from 1-3 p.m. with live music and entertainment by children’s performers Monkey Rock Music, a free BBQ, and tons of family fun.
