A local welder by the name of Corey McDonald wanted to do something special for the Christmas season. Being without children of his own, he felt the best way to give back would be to put a smile on the faces of less fortunate children and their families in the community.
Using some of his extra savings, McDonald has launched his Christmas Cheer campaign, which is now in its second year.
His Christmas Cheer fundraiser works by individuals nominating a child or family who they understand to be in a challenging situation and deserving of support. Nominations have come from friends and family members who made suggestions, and several of last year's candidates have stepped up to nominate a deserving family they know of.
“Anybody that could use a helping hand (is a good candidate)… they don’t even have to be hard up for cash,” McDonald said. “I just want to see the kids smile.”
Ideally, McDonald would receive a voluntary cash donation in any amount.
“I’m not going to say no to (a toy or other donation), but cash is ideal,” he confirmed. “I don’t know what I would do with a pair of size 11 men’s skates (for instance).” Still, McDonald said he won’t turn down toys that are donated in good condition.
After the deadline on Dec. 19, McDonald will take the amount raised and double it using his own personal funds.
“So many kids out there (aren't) able to see Santa; so many families (aren't) able to put gifts under the tree,” he said. “Christmas is a beautiful time of year, and also the most stressful time for a lot of families.” His goal is to alleviate some of this stress by helping as many families as he can with the gift of a Christmas present.
McDonald said he's received a lot of positive feedback from the program, and in his first year he helped roughly 40 families, which translates into 60 – 65 kids. As of Dec. 10, McDonald has raised enough this year to help around 45 kids.
The goal is to raise $4,000 by this year’s deadline, for a total of $8,000 with his personal contribution added. “The more, the merrier,” he said. So far, $2,300 has been raised.
He is currently running his charitable program in Moose Jaw, Regina, and Saskatoon, with proceeds going toward the community it was raised in.
To nominate a child or a family for McDonald’s program, the best way to contact him is either through his Facebook page, ‘Christmas Cheer!’ or by email at [email protected].
The fundraiser will continue until Dec. 19. Following this deadline, McDonald will begin distributing toys and gift cards with the proceeds. He will start in Saskatoon, then Regina, and on Dec. 23 and 24, he will visit families nominated in Moose Jaw.
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