b'A brighter Christmas for so many Kindness goes a long wayDear Editor Dear EditorI am thrilled to announce that Big Brothers Big SistersWeve had another one of those years that pulls of North Durhams 4th annual Littles Toy Tea was aeverything into perspective.It seems like the pandemic huge success! has allowed us to look at things a little closer than 41 members of 13 families had a brighter Christmasperhaps we did before.We have done the coat drives morning because of the generous people and businessesfor 5 years now, but it was this year that found everyone in our community who came together to provide overlooking a little harder in their closets.Truly, it was a $8000 in toys, gift cards and cash donations. Thank yougreat success.We bet there were close to 400 coats, old so much for your support! and new given to others to keep them warm this winter. Thank you to Ginger and Sandy Jackson, ownersEvery time a coat came in the shops, we were humbled of McDonalds for the warm cups of co ee, Dorieby the acknowledgment that people in our community McDonald, owner of Sunnybrae Golf Club for thehave made to be so kind to others.beautifully decorated cookies, and Killer Cookies for theAlso, this year, Port Perry Auto Supply established delicious chocolate chip cookies that our guests enjoyed.the Car Care Bucket fundraiser.For every bucket sold, And to the team at Taylor Forder Insurance, thank youall the pro tsow to Operation Scugog.After a post for the gorgeous gift basket.in The Port Perry Bulletin, a customer who had been a To our amazing volunteers and our Little Emily whoyoung, single dad who needed a hand up received the braved the cool temperatures and snow to be outsidehelp from a womens group. He came in to pay back with us to welcome guests and share the beverages andthe kindness and hand up that he received by donating treats, thank you for giving your time.$1500 to Operation Scugog.It was a gift to witness such This annual event is a favourite of our staandempathy and good will.volunteers and we look forward each year to visiting theWe know how lucky we are to live and work in our families to deliver the gifts you have helped provide.community.Kindness is here.And with this in mind, It warms our hearts to know that our communityPort Perry Auto Supply and Brians Towing will be is home to generous people who believe every familyestablishing an annual Equipment Day/Weekend that should have a joyful holiday season.will allow everyone (EVERYONE) who wants to play or Thank you for making the holidays magic andskate to have the equipment to do so. We hoped to do it supporting families in North Durham. sooner but it does need to be an outdoor event. Details Margaret Ayres, Executive Director,to follow, but the concept is to collect used equipment all Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham year, starting this January.The equipment will be stored at Brians Towing.Come fall, we will have an outdoor event that you bring a token for Operation Scugog and Wanting to volunteer? leave with whatever you need to get playing.It will be for everyone.It will be an exchange, as well.Drop oDear Editor points will be established but de nitely at Port Perry We want to thank the volunteers, donors andAuto Supply, Brians Towing, and Focus On Scugog.customers who make Camilles Closet such a success.Soif you cannd someone that needs your equipment,The Thrift Shop is run by the volunteer members ofgive it to them but if its not of use to anyone you know, the Auxiliary to Lakeridge Health Port Perry.100% ofplease donate it to the drive.the proceeds go to the Auxiliary towards its commitmentThank you to everyone for standing up this year.to the Here for You C.T. scanner campaign.WePlease realize the di erence you have and can make and recently presented a check for $50,000 towards thiscontinue to be as charitable as you are.project. Regards,However, we need more volunteers.If people areMaggie Davison, Port Perry Auto Supplynew to Scugog or recently retired, and want to make aRebecca Hoare, Brians Towingdi erence in our communities, we would welcome yourEditors note: volunteer gift of time.The sorters and sales volunteersPlease see story Equipment Day on page 8usually work a 3 hour shift every two weeks.This is a fun group to work with, and all COVID protocols are followed.Training and orientation are provided. PleaseMore letters on page 14contact Helena at Volunteer Resources 1-905-242-2371 or email hvickers@lh.ca who will advise you of the process to become a volunteer in our store. Happy New Year,Camilles Closet Admin TeamFOCUS - JANUARY 202213'