The Chatham Goodfellows had another strong showing for its annual Porchlight fundraising campaign Monday.
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The club’s Tim Haskell, a longtime volunteer, said local residents came through again for the 69th No Child without a Christmas drive.
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This year’s donation total was $57,680, just shy of last year’s $59,000, with e-transfers still to be tallied, Haskell said.
“It was a successful time for sure,” he said Tuesday. “We had lots of toys, lots of food. Everything just came in. It was like a zoo there for a little bit.”
Donations filled a van, whose use was donated by Heuvelmans Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac, “right to the top,” Haskell said.
The organization also buys food and other items for the Christmas hamper program.
About 500 volunteers, including local students and a “pretty big entourage” from Swain Bros., took part, he said.
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The Goodfellows’ next round of fundraising are street sales on Dec. 15 and 16.
“The street sales and Porchlight are a big thing for our campaign,” Haskell said. “It gives us. . . about 40 per cent of what we need. Last year, we spent over $215,000. So, we always try to let people know that isn’t all we need by collecting sixty grand.”
Same as last year, they will use the former Monsignor Uyen Catholic elementary school, at 255 Lark St. in Chatham, to store items and run the toy-packing campaign, which will run from Dec. 11 to 2 at 6 pm
The Tetrault, Clarke and Myers families, who own the building, have donated the space.
Toy deliveries will take place Dec. 18, with food packing and delivery set for Dec. 19 at the Spirit and Life Centre, 184 Wellington. St. W., in Chatham.
The need within the community has remained relatively consistent with previous campaigns, Haskell said. “I’m sure it’s up a little bit, but not as bad as we thought it would be.”
All food not needed for registered families is donated to Outreach for Hunger and other agencies.
To donate, send an e-transfer to [email protected], or mail a check to Chatham Goodfellows, PO Box 114, Chatham Ont., N7M 5K1. Donations can also be picked up.
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