The Spirit of Giving makes the season merry and bright
By Kelly Anne Smith
NORTH BAY— Presents are heaped under the 10 trees in the atrium of the Ministry of Government Services building and public servants have made it happen. There are also stuffies, toys, coats, socks, youth clothes, diapers, baby bouncers, and ride ’em toys sticking out of gift bags, too.
The 10 trees represent non-for-profit organizations selected by ministry employees to be charitable to for the Spirit of Giving campaign. The festive event is in it’s 14th year.
The Chief of Nipissing First Nation gave the opening remarks at the Spirit of Giving celebration. Chief Scott McLeod praised the efforts of all the public servants and said we should be in the giving spirit year-round.
“We have to think about this 365 days a year and not just at Christmas time.”
North Bay Mayor Al McDonald also commended the Spirit of Giving campaign for being a North Bay tradition that helps to make lives better.
“Thank you for opening up your hearts to helping those that need the help the most.”
Terry Coventry, a manager at the Ministry of the Solicitor General, chaired this year’s event with Norm Miller, also a manager. Coventry says everyone helps to pick the charities.
“It could be a charity near and dear to someone’s heart,” explains Coventry. “Each tree is a different charity and each tree is sponsored by one of the ministries. We started this because the OPS (Ontario Public Service) is really big into charity events. Once we pick the charities, for about three or four weeks we set up the trees and start collecting and fundraising…When we have the Spirit of Giving, all the folks from all the charities come and we present our effort to them. We try to make it a special Christmas event for everybody. Everybody pitches in and rolls up their sleeves and we get things done.”
Donna McLeod Shabogesic of Nipissing First Nation is the Advisor for Indigenous Services for Corrections and is on the committee for the Spirit of Giving. McLeod Shabogesic presented Emily Couchie, a program supervisor at the Ojibway Women’s Lodge (OWL) with a cheque to help the women and their families through the holidays. The Emaam Wim Seng – Walking Together initiative was behind the donation, which also came with clothing, games and toys. McLeod Shabogesic makes lovely earrings for the Walking Together initiative and donated $317 dollars from the sales of her earrings to the OWL.
The OWL is a First Nation women’s shelter in the Duchesnay community of Nipissing First Nation providing shelter and supports to vulnerable women and their children with a cultural and holistic healing approach.
McLeod Shabogesic has helped the OWL get a tree for six years.
“I’ve always been so impressed with the generosity with the people who work in this building, when you see the amount of work that goes into this event. The generosity is unbelievable. Everyone is so willing to help. It’s so heartfelt.”
Musicians and carolers know celebration is important when the north wind blows. Coventry said the musicians playing for the crowd are affectionately known as the govoncas.
“They are members of our staff who have come together creating a band and volunteering to provide music.”
Jolly Santa made an appearance for the young children visiting from the Lindsey Weld Centre.
The following charities were selected for the 2019 Spirit of Giving:
The North Bay Food Bank assists between 800 and 1,100 people – 27% are children – each month.
The Orange Door Project, which the North Bay Home Depot contributes to the Crisis Centre North Bay supporting homeless youth within the Four Elms Emergency Shelter and the Futures Residence.
The Leave the Streets Behind program, started by the Ontario Command of The Royal Canadian Legion supports homeless and near-homeless veterans and their families.
The North Bay Santa Fund and many volunteers distribute over 700 baskets of groceries and 1,500 toys so families do not go without over the holidays.
A Children’s Aid Society Crown Ward was sponsored to ensure a teenager was thought of during the holidays.
The Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) – Meals on Wheels – provides meals for people who are in their home needing the extra help. Along with some meals, about 50 patrons will receive a present from under their tree of canned goods and non-perishable items, treats and toiletries.
Donations were made to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice and the “Buy a Block” fund building the holistic, compassionate palliative care centre.
The Gathering Place serves hundreds of meals for those in need six days a week. The Gathering Place also offers cooking education, oversees a community garden, and coordinates food rescue.
Presents under the tree for the Community Action Program for Children and Mother Care included winter outerwear. The Community Action Program for Children supports and instructs on child development and parenting and Mother Care provides nutritional support.