GIVING AND RECEIVING GREAT SPIRIT OF SEASON ALWAYS AND ESPECIALLY THIS CHRISTMAS

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA  — ‘Tis the season of giving — and receiving — continues far and wide here.

Like Santa the generosity of Muskokans knows no bounds.

In Bracebridge, the 5th annual Santa for Seniors program was another huge success.

The library, in partnership with the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, the District of Muskoka, James Street Retirement Residence, The Pines Long-Term Care Home, Muskoka Hills Retirement Villa, and Castle Peak Retirement Residence had seniors write anonymous wish lists that went onto a Christmas tree at the library for patrons to select and fulfill.

Once the wish lists were gone, they were replaced with tags listing the items needed by the Manna Food Bank in Bracebridge.

This year 90 boxes and bags of goods were donated, including non-perishable food items along with treats and toys for pets.

Wish lists filled, a lot of seniors will be happy tomorrow thanks to the generous Muskokans again in the fifth annual Santa for Seniors anonymous wish list program here at the Pines in Bracebridge. PHOTO Matthew Reisler Bracebridge Library

Muskoka Lumber matching

donors for Andy’s House

At Hospice Muskoka, an incredible $25,000 matching offer from Muskoka Lumber will allow a small gift donation to make an even bigger impact.

To receive a charitable tax benefit for 2025, donations must be made before midnight on December 31st.

The community also responded at Andy’s House where “a ton” of gift hampers were purchased as Christmas gifts in their annual holiday fundraiser.

They also sell beautiful little white angels to hang on your tree representing lost loved ones.

Judy, one of the volunteers at Andy’s House brings out another holiday basket, one of 100 they sold this year as part of their annual Legacy fundraising project. PHOTO Mark Clairmont MuskokaTODAY.com

Free coats for under the tree thanks

to Oar, Gateway Worship Centre

Also in the Gateway to Muskoka community, free coats have been a big help to anyone who needs them.

The Oar Restaurant had a number of them hanging in plastic wrap on their front fence, which seemed to have all been picked up.

And down at the Gateway Worship centre congregants were out on the street Christmas Eve warmly hailing one and all to come grab a parka and take it home to wear or put under the tree.

They also gave away coats, mittens and more during the Santa Claus parade.

The acts of kindness are reminiscent of the scarf knitting project that will likely appear early in the new year when the colourful, packaged knitwear is tied to a street post.

That’s the spirit of the season.

A shout out and warm wave to the folk at the Gateway Worship Centre today who were out Christmas Eve giving away coats and warm mitts and more. PHOTO Mark Clairmont MuskokaTODAY.com

Rotary helps GPS over the top

for new playground

Over at the Gravenhurst Public School local residents have rallied around a new playground after the old one made way for new parking including EV power stations.

Katie Devlin, from the Gravenhurst Public School gratefully receives a cheque for $2000.00 from Rotarians Bonnie Dart, Pam McDivitt and Rob Abbott. Brittany Miller, also from GPS, is on the right This amount brought their total funds raised to an amount which enabled them to be eligible for a $25,000 grant from the school board. PHOTO Rotary

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