SaltWire E-Edition

Greater need than ever

Kin Family gearing up for annual appeal

KRISTIN GARDINER JOURNAL PIONEER kristin.gardiner @saltwire.com @KristinGardiner

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. – Ahead of the annual Kin Family Christmas Appeal, co-chair Sue Gallant said she has observed a need greater than ever.

“This year's really bad,” said Gallant. “The need out there this year is something fierce.”

For 73 years, the appeal has raised money for the Kin Christmas hampers, providing Islanders with food for Christmas dinners and presents.

The hampers aim to help local families and seniors during the holidays who are not receiving any help through any other organization.

In 2021, said Gallant, volunteers had to wrap more than 400 children's Christmas gifts; this year, Gallant said, may see a similar – if not higher – number.

“How do I feel? Where does it end?” she said. “It's overwhelming, is what it is.”

Despite how busy the appeal is year after year, Gallant said that the work has remained rewarding.

“What a feeling,” she said. “Every year, we're getting more and more people out to help us.”

In co-chair Eric Ferrish's opinion, the hampers that the appeal funds are important to fill a need in the community.

“We can't do it all, but we'll do some of it,” he said.

Ray McCourt, another cochair, agreed.

“It's a very worthwhile project,” said McCourt. “And when you go to deliver the hampers to the doors, and you see a mother and a child crying, it certainly brings tears to your eyes.”

To donate or provide an auction item for the appeal, contact Sue Galant at 902-3030135 or Ray McCourt at 902888-7474.

The annual appeal is televised and will take place Monday, Dec. 5 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Eastlink TV channel 10.

News

en-ca

2022-11-30T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-11-30T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://saltwire.pressreader.com/article/281517935138206

SaltWire Network