Every year during the holidays, Bradford business owner Loredna Battistella donates to a local charity from profits raised through her business, The Loving Soul, reflexology and Reiki services.
In 2020, she sponsored a family, and in 2019 donated profits from her soap sales to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
From October - December this year, she sold her hand-made self-care packages of candles, soaps and stones designed and inspired by late members of her family.
Battistella says the fundraiser was a success, selling all 125 gift packages, bringing in a total of $2,500 for charity.
"I'm thankful to all the people that helped me on this journey. Their love and support made this all possible," said Battistella.
This year, she wanted to make sure the funds were kept local. She decided to donate the proceeds from the sales to WOW Living's Out of the Cold Cafe, a drop-in centre for those in the community needing to keep warm in the colder months.
While $500 of the funds went to the cafe, she wanted $2,000 of the pot to go to a single mom of two who frequents the cafe often.
On Thursday afternoon Battistella dropped the funds off at the cafe to Jodi Greenstreet founder of WOW Living. In the evening, Battistella dressed as an elf, with 'Santa' in tow, surprised the mom and her two children at their home with the $2,000 cheque.
"They were in shock when they saw us," said Battistella.
She says both kids were excited about the special visit from Santa and his elf and even had their photos taken together.
To maintain confidentiality, the photos are unable to be shared.
Battistella says the experience was something she will never forget.
"Seeing the excitement in the kids is the most beautiful Christmas gift for me this year," she said. "The spirit of the holidays lies within our hearts. I'm truly blessed to have been able to do something like this."
She added, "Thank you to the community that supported the family by purchasing the gift packages. May they fill them with the love that was put into making them."
