The Santa Claus Fund's work is not done, because the need is greater than ever

Thanks to the generosity of our donors from all walks of life the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund has reached its $1.5-million goal for this year.

The support will go a long way toward bringing to thousands of children across the GTA the cheer that comes with receiving a gift during Christmas.

Even amid the battering of another wave of record COVID cases, Santa Claus Fund supporters, new and old, stepped up to show that the act of giving can provide a glimmer of hope during our time of collective hardship.

But the work is not done, because the need is greater than ever. Let’s keep on giving so that more children can enjoy this festive season for years to come. It has been a tradition of the Santa Claus Fund since its inception in 1906 with the vision of longtime Star publisher Joseph Atkinson.

“Our readers once again show us firsthand the true meaning of Christmas,” says Star co-proprietor Jordan Bitove. “Hitting and exceeding the goal of $1.5 million is not only outstanding, it is a clear message to the less fortunate families in our city that they are not forgotten and that they are loved.”

As of Friday, donations stood at $1,550,421.00 A year ago, the final tally for public donations was $1,765,952. The aim is to reach and surpass that number again this season.

That made possible the distribution of 45,000 Santa Claus Fund boxes to disadvantaged kids across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Ajax and Pickering. This year, our 116th campaign, at least 50,000 boxes, which is 5,000 more than 2020, will land on doorsteps — including shelters.

The highest amount ever raised was $2,393,459, in 2007.

Depending on the age of the child, each gift box is appropriately stacked with essentials such as a hoodie, hat, mittens, socks, book, a small toy, cookies, toothbrush/toothpaste, and baby accessories as needed.

This newspaper assumes all of the costs for operating, administrative and marketing expenses, allowing 100 per cent of donor dollars to go directly to the fund’s initiatives.

Let’s keep the giving going.

Jason Miller is a Toronto-based reporter for the Star covering crime and justice in the Peel Region. Reach him on email: jasonmiller@thestar.ca or follow him on Twitter: @millermotionpic