THUNDER BAY – Dilico Anishinabek Family Care staff took center stage with Grade 12 drama students of St. Patrick High School earlier this week, as they unveiled details of the seventh annual Dilico Christmas Wish Campaign. Performing Act One, from the traditional holiday classic, ‘The Nutcracker’, students helped demonstrate how community members can participate in the campaign.
“Don’t worry Frankie, he’ll be here. It’s Christmas Eve and he hasn’t missed a Christmas Eve yet. Not even a blizzard can stop him.”- The Nutcracker, Opening Scene Says Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, Director of Child Welfare, Carmela Hardy; “The Nutcracker is a story of triumph, acceptance and goodwill. Historically, a nutcracker represented strength, and was originally given as a keepsake to bring good luck to families and protect homes. Dilico Anishinabek Family Care can very much relate to this symbolism, and we hope this campaign can bring joy to our families, children and youth in need.”
Through the Christmas Wish Bag Campaign, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is welcoming the donation of Christmas gifts from local businesses, organizations, families and individuals. Those who would like to participate in the Dilico Christmas Wish Campaign will be provided with a Christmas Wish Bag that they can pack with essential items, toys, books, clothing and learning tools for children between the ages of 0 and 17. Each bag comes with a special child profile that gives details about the boy or girl who will receive the gift bag, such as their age and what they are interested in.
Says St. Patrick High School, Grade 12 Drama Teacher, Tricia Delpaggio; “So many of us get wrapped up in the holiday season and forget what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. I was overwhelmed with joy, when my students asked me what else they could do to help out in the community. After learning about this amazing initiative, the students have each committed to filling a bag for the Dilico Wish Campaign and are encouraging everyone who comes to the Nutcracker performance on December 10th & 11th, to sign up for a bag or bring a donation.”
Those interested in participating in the Dilico Anishinabek Christmas Wish Bag Campaign can find more details on the Dilico Christmas Wish Facebook page www.facebook.com/DilicoChristmasWish), or call the Elf Hotline at: (807) 345-3763.
There are several locations to pick up and drop off your Christmas Wish Bag making participation easy and convenient, including both Dilico Anishinabek Family Care offices, Firedog ommunications and Intercity Shopping Centre.
The deadline to register for a Christmas Wish Bag is December 15th, 2015.
“Last year, we were very thankful as hundreds of community members, families and businesses participated in the initiative filling 660 wish bags so hundreds of boys and girls could wake up with a smile on Christmas morning. We hope to fill just as many bags this year;” continues Hardy. “One of the best gifts we can give to children is to experience the gift of joy during the holidays.”
