CHRISTMAS FUND

Pictou County fundraiser raises more than $72K

The generosity of county residents shone once again on Nov. 27, as more than $72,000 was raised for the Pictou County Christmas Fund.

The 48th annual telethon, which raises money to ensure every family in the county has a Christmas dinner, was slightly delayed because of a power outage affecting much of the region Sunday afternoon. But as soon as power was restored the show went on with volunteers staying an extra hour to make sure the event was a success. At the end of the day the total raised was $72,155.

Because of the ongoing presence of COVID in the community, the event was held virtually. Thanks to Lucas Technology and Analytics which built a website for the event, people had the option to listen to the telethon live online in addition to the traditional Eastlink broadcast. People also had the option to donate at pictoucountychristmasfund.ca or phone in to make a pledge as in the past.

Co-chairs Debbie VanSickle and Monique Sobey said they were pleased with how everything went despite the power outage and said they liked the new format.

“Everyone is being very generous,” VanSickle said.

Because everyone involved volunteers, 100 percent of all donations will go directly to those in need.

Sobey and VanSickle said they’re hearing that demand is particularly high this year, which makes this program more important than ever.

People are encouraged to honour their pledges as soon as possible. Those who give their gift before Dec. 5 will be eligible to win early bird prizes provided by local merchants.

Pledges can be honoured at any local bank or credit union, or in New Glasgow at the offices of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pictou County on MacGregor Street or Atlantic Insurance on Provost Street, or the Advocate location at Brown’s Point Road in Pictou.

Anyone who would still like to donate can do so online at pictoucountychristmasfund.ca

This year the donations will be distributed as grocery gift cards. The gifts will be given out at the Pictou County Food Bank East although people don’t have to be a client of the food bank to get one. Identification for each family member is required at pickup. Cards will be distributed Monday, Wednesday and Friday beginning Dec. 5 and ending on Dec. 23. The food bank’s hours of operation are: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.