Newsletters

Christmas Exchange E-News

 

BIG NEWS:
Christmas Exchange has a School Supplies Assistance Program!

Spring represents new life, and that’s why Christmas Exchange has chosen this season to sow and grow our new School Supplies Assistance (SSA) Program. This program will allow us to provide low-income families with gift certificates that will alleviate the additional financial burden presented by the need for school supplies.

Though the SSA program fits our new mission nicely, the new venture has presented some interesting challenges. To read the rest of the article, click here.

Get Involved with Christmas Exchange!

Christmas Exchange is already busy holding a few events and fundraisers to get a head-start on the school and Christmas seasons. We strongly encourage you to get involved with these activities, either as a volunteer, or an active participant!

The 3rd Annual Caring and Sharing Charity Auction is ONLINE! – Now ’til April 18
In the mood for a spa getaway? Want a great deal on a golf membership? Look no further! Our 3rd Annual Caring and Sharing Charity Auction has it all – and it’s now an ONLINE auction for your convenience! Help us raise funds for the purchase of school supplies for children from low-income families while at the same time getting some excellent deals on some hard-to-find items by visiting our auction at www.caringandsharing.ca!

Raffle for 2 WestJet Airlines Tickets – Now ’til August 31
Where would you fly if you had the choice? With two (2) tickets to anywhere WestJet Airlines flies, you’ll have to start thinking!

At $10 for a single ticket or 3 for $25, you won’t find a cheaper flight anywhere else. All proceeds will help provide school supplies to children from low-income families so call 613-226-6434 to purchase your raffle ticket today! Draw will take place August 31, 2011.

Volunteer Opportunities – Ongoing
Raffle tickets will also be sold at various mall locations throughout April until August. If you’re interested in helping us sell tickets, please check out our volunteer opportunities here.

Christmas Exchange’s Annual General Meeting – June 23, 5:30pm
Join us at the Hellenic Meeting and Reception Centre (1315 Prince of Wales Dr.) for some refreshments and to help us celebrate the achievements of the organization! We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions about any of these events, call the Christmas Exchange office at 613-226-6434 or email [email protected].

Meet Rod Ferguson, a CE Volunteer

Rod Ferguson started volunteering with the Christmas Exchange (CE) in 1999 by

picking up pennies collected by schools participating in the Pennies for Portions campaign.

Since then he has accumulated close to 240 volunteer hours and has taken on other volunteer activities with the Exchange, including envelope stuffing for donor mail outs, mailing of gift certificates to clients, delivery of food hampers, and selling raffle tickets, as well as helping at our annual fundraising event Running on Empties.

To read more about why Rod has chosen to dedicate his time to Christmas Exchange, click here.

From An Agency’s Perspective

The Caldwell Family Centre is one of the 300 agencies from which Christmas Exchange receives referral applications during the Christmas season. They strive to build strong communities and improve the quality of life of culturally diverse individuals, children, youth and families living in poverty.

In a residential area of Ottawa’s West end stands the Caldwell Family Centre, where program facilitators work tirelessly to help those in need obtain emergency food assistance and drop in services.

To read more about the relationship between the Caldwell Family Centre and Christmas Exchange, click here.

Thank You for Your Support!

“I wish to thank you with all my heart for the much needed help you have given me this Christmas season.” This note of thanks is one of many that we received on behalf of donors such as yourself, who helped us to provide hope to families and individuals this past holiday season.

Thanks to your contributions of support, time, and money, 25,000 people in 10,271 families received help including:

· 8,774 children 12 years old and under

· 2,799 children 13-18 years old

· 2,901 seniors
Read more words of thanks from these individuals and families here.

Stay Connected with Christmas Exchange!
To stay up-to-date on Christmas Exchange information and events: 

Thank you for taking the time to read our Spring e-newsletter. We appreciate your continued support of Christmas Exchange. Without you, our work would not be possible.
Sincerely,
Nicole BedfordCommunications CoordinatorChristmas ExchangeEmail: [email protected]
Web: www.christmas-exchange.com