KAWARTHA LAKES-Once a year for the past quarter century the gym at Lady Mackenzie P.S. in Kirkfield magically turns into a giant holiday gift store for students.
Dubbed the holiday “yard sale with a difference”, this special, 25 year tradition, brings joy and delight as the children carefully select gifts for their loved ones.
Donations come from far and wide with proceeds going to support local families over Christmas.
And for one couple volunteering behind the scenes is their holiday tradition. Over 20 years ago when Cheryl and Bill Jones’ niece Maggie attended Lady Mackenzie PS they decided to give their valuable time and energy to the annual event. They created a partnership with the Retired Toronto Firefighter’s Toy Drive and Peter Kerr and the community reaps the benefits.
“For over 20 years, they have brought box loads of gifts for the children to “buy” for prices of 25 cents to a dollar. They use their garage to store the toys, their trailer to transport the gifts, their truck to pull the toys and their arms and hearts to deliver them all.” says Ana Mena, Principal. “Beyond that, they lead the sale every year, wrap the gifts, talk with children about their selections, laugh, cry and rejoice in the spirit of giving.”
This year new toys were also donated to the Coboconk LCBO for Ridgewood School and to FFSS for their families.
All proceeds from the sale, almost $1,000 this year, go to support local families at Christmas. The money specifically buys all the food for Christmas day…breakfast to supper. This year they are supporting 15 families but have done as many as 21.
The Kirkfield Lions Club support the families by supplying gifts and two local church congregations are also supporting families.
