Busy holiday season has CC55 putting out call for volunteers and donations

CC55 will also be providing toys and gifts to an additional 400 to 500 families across the city through its emergency distribution clinic Dec. 23.

"We’re off to a good start," said Nancy Culver, CC55’s special event and volunteer coordinator, during a recent interview.

Community Centre 55’s Share-A-Christmas program, the biggest yearly initiative at the Upper Beach-area agency, officially kicked off for the season Sunday, Nov. 23 with Hamper’s Santa Claus Parade on Kingston Road followed by a post-parade celebration at the local community centre.

A number of events are planned for the coming weeks to raise much-needed funds for the annual program.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, people are invited to join Hamper the Reindeer for a pancake breakfast at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick Avenue. The event, which runs from 8 a.m. to noon, costs $3 per person. Reservations are not required.

People are also welcome to check out CC55’s second annual Christmas Bazaar, which also takes place Saturday, Dec. 6 at the centre from 8 a.m. to noon. Admission is free.

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The following day, supporters will be lacing up their running shoes in support of the program during Centre 55 Tanenbaum 10K race. For more details or to register, visit www.tanenbaum10k.com

Aside from supporting various fundraising events, area residents can contribute to the annual campaign by making a monetary donation. Charitable tax receipts are available.

People can also donate Canadian Tire money to the program, which serves those living within the boundaries of Ward 32 (Beaches-East York).

Non-perishable human/pet food as well as toys for youth from babies to teens are also greatly needed.

All items can be dropped off at Community Centre 55 at 97 Main St.; the Beaches Recreation Centre at 6 Williamson Rd.; the FreshCo locations at Gerrard Street East and Victoria Park Avenue and Leslie Street and Lake Shore Boulevard East; and at local CIBC branches.

Some of the ways individuals or groups can support the Share-A-Christmas program include organizing a draw, planning a food drive or money collection at your family or corporate Christmas party, adopting a family or taking part in the CANpaign program by placing a money collection can at your business or holiday event.

The centre’s mascot, Hamper the Reindeer is more than happy to attend any Share-A-Christmas fundraiser. Anyone who would like Hamper to make an appearance should call 416-691-1113 as soon as possible.

Community Centre 55 is also selling Hamper the Reindeer Christmas cards as well as 2015 Beach Photo Club calendars to support the Share-A-Christmas program.

As always, a veritable army of volunteers will be needed to help sort, pack, and deliver the food and toy hampers. Registration is not required.

Packing and sorting of non-perishables will take place Thursday, Dec. 18 and Friday, Dec. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Toys will be sorted and packed Sunday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. No children please.

Perishable food items will be packed and sorted Monday, Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with delivery set to begin that same day starting at 2 p.m.

Those interested in helping out should dress in layers as the building can get hot/cold, bring their muscles as the food boxes can get heavy and pack their patience as lots of elves come out to help and things can get a little bit hectic at times.

Anyone with questions should contact CC55 at info@centre55.com or 416-691-1113.