Residents of Bradford West Gwillimbury have several opportunities to play Santa for families in need this year.
The Simcoe County Paramedics are once again holding their annual toy drive, inviting residents to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child to the Bradford West Gwillimbury’s Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 17, to be distributed to local families facing financial hardship this Christmas.
The goal, said Paramedic Owen VanDyke, is to fill the ambulance leading the parade with toys and gifts.
“If it’s overflowing, that’s okay, too,” he said.
Those who cannot bring a toy to the parade can still donate to the toy drive by dropping off their gifts to the paramedic station at 170 Artesian Industrial Parkway in Bradford. The station will be accepting donations until Dec. 7. For more information, call VanDyke at 905-251-3258.
And at Bradford District High School, students are working with the Helping Hand Food Bank for its Adopt-a-family program — raising funds and purchasing gifts tailored to the ages of each family it is helping.
Students will be holding fundraisers in class and during the lunch hours.
With the assistance of the community and local businesses, they have raised more than $100,000 since 2006 to help those in need.
Any family or business wanting to assist with the program can contact Jennifer Brake at [email protected] or 905-775-2262, ext. 41361.
Where else to find Santa and holiday events:
Nov. 17: The BWG Santa Claus Parade takes place Saturday, Nov. 17, on Holland Street West. Starting at 6:30 p.m. at Holland and Professor Day Drive, the night-time illuminated parade will proceed east on Holland, and then south on Simcoe Road to the Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre. Some businesses along the route traditionally offer free hot chocolate. Bring a donation of a new, unwrapped toy for the South Simcoe Paramedics’ toy drive, and your letters for Santa.
Nov. 17: Santa is stopping by Smoochies Cakery, 17 Holland St. W., for photos between 2-6 p.m.
Nov. 24: Bradford Lions Club’s eighth annual Breakfast with Santa, Nov. 24 from 8-10 a.m. at the community centre, 125 Simcoe Rd. Enjoy a breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, hash browns, coffee, tea or juice — and bring a camera for photos with Santa. Cost is $5 for adults, and free for accompanied children under 12, with a donation of non-perishable food. Proceeds go to the Helping Hand Food Bank.
Nov. 24: Light Up Night in Cookstown. Local merchants decorate their windows and turn on their Christmas lights Nov. 24 from 4-6 p.m. Carolling, hot chocolate and treats, a visit with Santa, and a tree lighting at 6 p.m., followed at 6:30 p.m. by the night-time illuminated Santa Claus Parade. Follow the parade to the Cookstown library for some caroling and refreshments.
Nov. 25: Seventh annual Pet Photos with Santa, at Pet Valu, 442 Holland St. W. in Bradford, Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring Fido or Whiskers or even your pet gerbil for a professional photo with Santa by Zwoman graphics and photography. Cost is $10 for a five-by-seven colour photo, with proceeds going to the Lions Foundation Dog Guides.
Nov 25: The Bradford Jewish Community is celebrating Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, at the Bradford and District Memorial Community Centre, 125 Simcoe Rd., from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Event includes a children’s choir, various arts and crafts activities, yummy treats, and much more. Tickets cost $8 per person.
Nov. 25: Innisfil Santa Claus Parade takes place Sunday, Nov. 25 in Alcona Beach, starting at 1:30 p.m., at Innisfil Beach Road and 25 Sideroad, continuing west on Innisfil Beach Road to Jans Boulevard. Bring a donation of non-perishable food for the food bank.
Nov. 28: Festivities with Friends at the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library. Christmas storytime, songs, crafts, treats and a visit with Santa, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Stroud Public Library. Plus, the same event Dec. 1 at the Lakeshore library in Alcona, and Dec. 8 at the Cookstown library. Free drop-in program for all ages. See innisfil.library.on.ca for more information.
Nov. 30: The Cookstown Antique Market — a barn filled with 35 individual vendors of antiques and collectibles — hosts its annual Victorian Christmas, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There will be a 10-per-cent discount store-wide, plus treats and refreshments served up by staff in Victorian garb. Located at 5108 Simcoe County Road 27, Cookstown. Donations of non-perishable food, unwrapped toys and cash welcomed for Innisfil Christmas for Kids!
Nov. 30: Bravado! Show Choir presents Christmastravaganza, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m., with a special Children’s Matinee at 1 p.m. on Dec. 1. All the glitz, glam and seasonal music of Broadway, Hollywood, The Muppets, plus the Bell A’Peal Handbell Choir, and Kids ‘n Carols, showcasing Bravado! Kids Choir. Evening show tickets are $25. Matinee tickets are $7 for kids 12 and under, $18 for kids 13 and older, or $45 for a family of four. All performances at Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier St. in Barrie. Tickets at the Maclaren Art Centre, call 705-739-1637 or see bravadoshowchoir.com.
Dec. 1: Voices of Good Will and Good Cheer benefit concert at the Bradford Arts Centre, 66 Barrie St. in Bradford. On Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m., enjoy the music of The Kleinburg Treblemakers, Mark Holmes, Goldenaires Choir, and Amelia DePiero. Admission is by donation. Donations go toward future programs at the centre.
Dec. 1: Cocoa and cookies with Santa at the Elman W. Campbell Museum, 134 Main St. S. in Newmarket. From 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 1, drop in for a visit with Santa, take a photo, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Admission is free with a donation of non-perishable food for the Newmarket Food Pantry.
Dec. 7: BWG Celebrates Christmas. From 6-8:30 p.m. at the BWG Leisure Centre, 471 West Park Ave., welcome Christmas with a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. at Sunshine Square, with Santa Claus himself. There will be free skating from 6:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., plus photos with Santa courtesy of K. Sikkema Photography, crafts, free hot chocolate from RBC, and cookies from Sweet B’s Confectionery. This free event welcomes all residents of BWG.
Dec. 8: Trim the Tree at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — a free drop-in program for ages two and up, with Christmas-themed crafts, games, music and more. The library is located at 425 Holland St. W. in Bradford.
Dec. 17: Multicultural Holiday Storytime. The BWG Public Library, 425 Holland St. W., hosts a storytime for ages three to eight, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, at 7 p.m. Holiday traditions from around the world through stories and a craft. Free event.
