Dilico Anishinabek Family Care launches the 2025 Christmas Wish Campaign

By Rick Garrick

THUNDER BAY — Dilico Anishinabek Family Care joined with The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay (CAS) for the launch of the 2025 Christmas Wish Campaign on Nov. 14 at Goods and Co. in Thunder Bay.

“For 17 years, the Christmas Wish Campaign has helped make holiday dreams come true for thousands of children across the Thunder Bay district and surrounding First Nation communities,” says Natalie Paavola, CEO at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care. “This year, we’re celebrating something extra special, a new chapter of giving. Year after year, we’ve watched families of children benefit from this meaningful campaign — it makes so many Christmas mornings extra special and brings so many smiles into homes.”

Paavola says the partnership with CAS symbolizes everything the season is about — unity, generosity, and community spirit.

“The Christmas Wish Campaign has always been about more than gifts,” Paavola says. “For participants, it’s a rewarding way to share in the spirit of the holidays and for children, it’s a magical reminder that their community cares about them.”

Carmela Hardy, executive director at CAS, says they are excited and honoured to be participating in this year’s Christmas Wish Campaign.

“For many years, CAS ran its own holiday programs, something our staff and community partners have always been proud of,” Hardy says. “But we also know that when we work together, we can do so much more. Both of our agencies share the same mission: caring for children and youth and supporting families. So that is why this partnership makes perfect sense.”

Hardy says they are setting a big goal this year to fill 1,200 Christmas Wish Bags, the largest goal in the campaign’s history.

“Together, we know we can make this wish come true; so from all of us at CAS, on behalf of our Board of Directors and our (Children’s Aid Foundation of the District of Thunder Bay’s) Board of Directors, miigwech,” Hardy says. “We’ve both seen firsthand how incredible this campaign can be for children who may not otherwise experience the magic of the holidays. By joining together, we can reach more families, bring more joy, and make even more wishes come true across our community.”

Since the Christmas Wish Campaign was launched in 2008, more than 10,000 personalized Wish Bags have been delivered to children, including those in the 13 First Nations in Dilico’s circle of care.

Jared and Suzzy Shonosky, a husband and wife who both work for the two partnering agencies, and their daughter helped with the launch of this year’s Christmas Wish Campaign by wrapping the Christmas Wish tree at Goods and Co. with a handcrafted paper garland featuring the logos of Dilico, CAS, and the Christmas Wish Campaign.

“The Christmas Wish Campaign has a very special place in my heart, and in my family’s as well,” Jared says. “Each year, this campaign reminds us of what is truly special in the Christmas spirit, it is all about giving, kindness and community. For my family, participating in the Christmas Wish Campaign isn’t just about donating toys, it’s about giving moments of joy, it’s about teaching my daughter the importance of compassion, that even the smallest gift can make the biggest difference in someone’s life. When we drop off those toys, we’re not just giving presents, we’re sharing love, connection, and the belief that every child deserves to feel the magic of Christmas morning.”

Dilico and CAS are encouraging everyone, including families, schools, workplaces, and community groups, to participate in the Christmas Wish Campaign by picking up a red Christmas Wish Bag, which include a Wish Tag that lists the child’s age, clothing size, and interests, from one of the following locations: Dilico Health and Wellness Centre, on Court St.; Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, on Anemki Dr.; Thunder Bay Children’s Aid Society, on Jade Court; Goods and Co. Market, on Red River Rd.; and Starbucks, at the Arthur Street Marketplace and the Thunder Centre.

Participants are encouraged to return their filled Christmas Wish Bags by Dec. 1 to one of the drop-off locations at: Dilico Health and Wellness Centre, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, and Thunder Bay Children’s Aid Society.

Information about the Christmas Wish Campaign is posted online.