QUEEN'S PARK - Many thanks to the many organizations, volunteers and donors who are making the holidays a little brighter for those in need. Special shout-out to the Hyde Park and District Lions Club, Hyde Park Business Improvement Association, Northwest London Resource Centre, Wortley Pride, Life*Spin and London emergency workers.
Ms. Peggy Sattler: This festive season, I want to recognize the many London volunteers and donors who are helping bring joy to those who are struggling.
First, a huge thank you to the Hyde Park and District Lions Club and the Hyde Park BIA. This year, the annual Santa Claus parade raised 25% more money than in 2021, and 20% more food—donations that will help stock the Northwest London Resource Centre’s Emergency Food Cupboard. With the rising cost of groceries and rent, more London West families than ever are relying on the food bank, especially those who are single parents, newcomers or those living with disability or unemployment.
Next, many thanks to Wortley Pride for organizing a free Christmas dinner for 100 2SLGBTQ youth, about 75% of whom are homeless. With no family to celebrate Christmas with, the Wortley Pride dinner reminds these youths that they are loved and that their community is there for them.
Finally, a big shout-out to Life*Spin for their annual Christmas sponsorship program, which puts a Christmas dinner on the table and gifts under the tree for children from low-income families. Last weekend, London firefighters, police and paramedics held an open house to help collect toys for the program, which has the highest number of families and children registered since the program began in 1994.
Christmas is such a difficult time for those struggling with hardship and poverty. These special organizations, volunteers and donors are making the holidays just a little brighter for those in need.