Eric Ferrish, left, Ray Mc Court and Sue Gallant, organizers of the annual Kin Family of Summerside Christmas Appeal, are getting ready for the event, which takes on Dec. 5.

 

The smiles on the children’s faces and even the seniors, that’s what it is all about. It’s always worth itEric Ferrish, co-organizer of the Kin Family of Summerside Christmas Appeal

For more than 40 years, he has been helping organize the Kin Family of Summerside’s annual Christmas Appeal.
“The smiles on the children’s faces and even the seniors, that’s what it is all about,” said Ferrish, who co-organizes the event with Sue Gallant and Ray McCourt “It’s always worth it.”

The annual Christmas Appeal, now in its 67th year, allows the Kin Family, with the help of the community, to provide a brighter holiday for those less fortunate.

The appeal is televised live on EastLink TV Channels 10 and 610 from 7 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 5.

Last year the Kin Family prepared more than 200 Christmas boxes, which were delivered to area families in need

“There are more people requiring our help this year,” said Ferrish. “In the last few years we have taken on seniors, too.”

The Kin Family co-ordinates with other area organizations to obtain a confidential list of families — denoting children’s ages and sex — so suitable gifts can be provided, avoiding duplication of families receiving hampers from other groups.

The Kin Family and other volunteers get together to organize boxes for each family on its list, with each box containing enough items for Christmas dinner and several meals.

Members of the Kin Family personally deliver the boxes.

None of it would be possible without donations of cash, food, toys, hats, mittens and more from Islanders, which is why the on-air appeal is so important, said Gallant.

Gallant and Ferrish are also encouraging all businesses and their employees to take part in the fundraiser, either by making a donation or stopping by the Wilmot Community Centre on the night of the appeal.

All say that delivering the boxes makes the weeks and months of work worthwhile.

“You know you are making Christmas for someone else,” said McCourt. “That’s what it is all about.”

 

About the Christmas Appeal

— Airs live on EastLink TV Channels 10 & 610 on Dec. 5

— 7 to 10 p.m.

— Anchored by Roger Ahern and hosted by Ray McCourt

— Entertainers include: Reel Talent School of Dance, Kim Albert, Nick Hann, Krysten Cameron, Danielle Bryanton, Rylee Lynch

— Santa Claus will also make an appearance

— Toll-free number to call that night — 1-800-666-3343

— Auction line number 902-432-1281

— Auction items can be dropped off at Sun and Suds Laundry

— For more information or to donate, call Sue at (902) 303-0135