All the families registered in CrossTrainers Christmas Wishlist program in Bradford will have all their wishes fulfilled this year thanks to the generous support of many generous community members like local photographer Cassidy Hilliard.
Every year, Hilliard hosts photo sessions for families with part of the proceeds going towards a local charity or family in need.
This year, she decided to put her support behind the CrossTrainers Canada and their annual Christmas Wish program, helping to bring gifts to local families in need.
Jen Feeney who has worked with Hilliard before in past fundraising events was on board to help with the initiative. She donated 100 per cent of her time to help create a surprise Christmas balloon display for the photo sessions, and Daniela Sciortino of Invitique, a boutique design studio, provided all the props free of charge. The Royal Canadian Legion in Bradford also donated one of their halls to take the pictures in last weekend.
The cost of each mini session was $165, with half the proceeds going towards the Wishlist Program. In the end, a total of 20 sessions were booked by local families, bringing in $3,115 for the charity.
Hilliard says she only learned about the local charity this year and wanted to help out in any way she could for this year's program. She also said it is a great way to teach her children the importance of giving back.
"Some of the things they (the clients) ask for like winter jackets and necessities they are asking for for Christmas, and it just breaks your heart, so at least you can give back and bring a little bit of joy," she said. "It's great to keep it in Bradford too."
CrossTrainers has been operating thWishlist program for the past 13 years, where members of the community adopt a registered family in need to fulfill their list of Christmas wishes. This year, there are 56 families/148 people on the list.
"This year I was slightly concerned because last year we only had 75 on the list, and this year we had 148," said Patti LaRose, executive director with CrossTrainers.
But thanks to the generous support of the community, adopting families and making financial donations, everyone's wishlist will be fulfilled this year.
There are still a few gifts left to buy before the gits are distributed to families on Sunday, and thanks to Hilliard's donation which she dropped off at the building last night, the charity will be able to check off all the items on every client's list.
"When you hear the stories of all the people giving, and the reason they are giving, it just blows my mind, it's amazing," said LaRose.
Hilliard plans to do the same event next Christmas, this time over the course of two days instead of one.
"We are planning already, where we can get a place for two days back to back so we can possibly double it (the donation)," explained Hilliard.
CrossTrainers is located at 31 Frederick St. in the older part of Bradford. It operates out of the same building as Out of the Cold Cafe which is run by WOW Living. Every year, the two organizations team up to provide clients with a turkey dinner and wishlist gifts. For the past few years, the turkey dinner has been takeout style due to pandemic restrictions.
This year's dinner and gift distribution will take place on Sunday, Dec. 5.
To learn more about CrossTrainers Canada visit their website here.
