Chestermere’s Christmas with Dignity program is launching earlier this year under a new name – Gifts of Kindness.
The fundraising campaign officially kicked off at an Energizer Night Sept. 11, where the Chestermere Community Support Services team provided more information about the changes that have been made to the Christmas with Dignity program, which began in 2007.
“The campaign is now called Gifts of Kindness and we are launching it in September rather than November as a way to modernize the program and illustrate that donations will be accepted and can be accessed at any time throughout the year,” said Danielle Fermin, manager of Community Support Services for the City.
“We’d like it to be clear that some individuals and families in the community need access to assistance year-round and not just during the holiday season.”
According to a press release issued by the City, donations collected from the Gifts of Kindness program will continue to be used the same way as they were with Christmas with Dignity. Funds will be used to help individuals and families in Chestermere and the southeast Rocky View County area with basic needs such as damage deposits, utilities or rental arrears; medication expenses; helping women in crisis; groceries; and subsidizing membership fees to local associations.
“We are asking the community to help us to keep this program and its funds available throughout the year by participating in fundraising initiatives like our Good Food Box, Jacket Racket, Wishing Tree and Christmas Hamper programs,” Fermin said. “We will also be creating some fun, new opportunities to donate, so that each of us can help make a significant change in our community with any gift we can share.”
Cash, cheque or credit card donations are accepted at City Hall, and donations of $20 or more will be eligible for a tax receipt.
Residents in need of support can access the program through the Chestermere Family and Community Resource Centre intake process by calling (403) 207-7079, or by filling out the intake form.
For more information or to donate, visit chestermere.ca/giftsofkindness
