Katie, Charlie, Oliver, Miles, Will, Connie, Josh, Tom, Alexandra, Sophia, Kyle, and Nicolas.
No, these are not the names of Santa’s new reindeer.
They are the names of a group of local kids who made an effort to add a bit of cheer to the lives of people in need on the North Shore this holiday season.
Along with their parents and other residents of their Norgate neighbourhood, this pint-sized gang with good hearts spent weeks canvassing, going door to door, handing out flyers asking for donations for the North Shore Housing Centre.
The collection resulted in more than 50 jackets, 100 pairs of socks, toques and toiletries, more than $300 cash, 15 bags of blankets, clothes, scarves, mittens, shoes, and even a DVD player. And more boxes of toiletries were donated by Best Western on Capilano Road.
With their Santa sacks full, the Norgate residents group got together on Dec. 13 to host a special lunch for 80 people at the centre.
Lunch was provided by Presto Catering and the kids, who range in age from five to 12, helped serve the hot meals, along with coffee, hot chocolate, and dessert. Save-On-Foods at Pemberton Plaza donated bread for the meal, as well as a gift certificate.
Ken Falconer, community co-ordinator with the North Shore Housing Centre, noted in an email that this event was the first of what they hope will be many collaborations with local residents.
He said the Norgate group’s donations and lunch were well received by clients at the centre.
The North Shore Housing Centre offers 25 transitional housing units, 45 shelter beds, and an extreme weather program (20 additional sleeping mats).
Volunteers who helped organize the lunch event and donations included Shelley Foster, Avril Foster, Emma Kidman, Monica Scoles, Mindy Ward, Stephanie Wilson, the Orton-Tweed family, and the Pelesh family.
“We at the North Shore Housing Centre are grateful for Shelley, Monica and their friends and children who are working with us to reduce homelessness on the North Shore,” noted Falconer.
