NEWS RELEASE
UNITED WAY SIMCOE MUSKOKA
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United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s Holiday with a Hero takes place this year on Nov. 18.
The United Way in partnership Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, local first responders, and CFB Borden are proud to offer a one-of-a-kind event where vulnerable local children.
On the morning of Nov. 18, 80 vulnerable children in the Barrie area will be matched with a hero; as a team, the child and their hero shop for presents for family and friends with a $150 gift card.
The only rule? The child must also buy a gift for themselves.
“Everyone involved with this event — the heroes, the volunteers, community partners — talk about the joy they experience first-hand,” says Brian Shelley, United Way Simcoe Muskoka chief executive and philanthropy officer. “I had several police officers last year tell me that it was their most rewarding day of their careers.”
After the children are done shopping, they join a procession of emergency vehicles for a parade down the highway, coming together for a holiday party at the Innisfil YMCA. While the kids and their heroes are eating breakfast and participating in holiday activities such as cookie decorating, bouncy castles and crafts, a team of volunteers gift-wrap their purchases for them.
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individual donors, the United Way is currently only $5,000 away from fundraising all of the associated costs for this year’s event.
“Every donation makes a difference and goes directly towards creating what we hope will be a truly memorable experience for these young people,” added Shelley. “We are thankful that so many in our community are supporting this event once again.”
To learn more about Holiday with a Hero or to make a donation, go to uwsimcoemuskoka.ca/heroes.
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