Holidays made brighter for local families thanks to Christmas Cheer

Christmas takes on a truly special meaning every year for Karen Bulmer.

The Sackville woman says it's not just the wonder and the merriment of the season that warms her soul, but the way the community opens up their hearts and their wallets at this time of year to help others in their time of need.

Karen's family is one of hundreds who have been touched over the years by the generosity of those who donate to the annual Christmas Cheer campaign.

And although it's been more than 20 years since Karen has had to turn to Christmas Cheer for assistance, she recalls those days vividly.

"Bringing up a family back then, it was kind of hard," says Bulmer, who remembers that while she worked part-time, her husband, who relied on his commission from milk deliveries, became ill one year.

"We were kind of struggling . . . so our neighbour put our name in (for Christmas Cheer)."

Karen says although the family had no idea what to expect that Christmas, they certainly didn't imagine how it would turn out. A box full of toys, ornaments, mitts and hats were delivered several days before Dec. 25.

"It was overwhelming," says Karen, the memories still bringing a tear to her eye. "We just couldn't believe it; it meant a lot."

For a mom and dad who were simply trying to "get by," the generous donations made Christmas a lot merrier for their six-year-old son and two-year-old daughter, says Karen.

"It made their Christmas. They were ecstatic," she says. "And when they gave us a Christmas voucher (for groceries) on top of that, I just broke."

To this day, says Karen, her family continues to hang those same ornaments they received that year from Christmas Cheer on their tree.

She says it continues to remind them that there are still people out there who need the extra help.

"When you see people struggling, it's always good to lend a helping hand, especially in this day and age.

"Even to have one little gift under that tree for someone, that means a lot. That is special."

Now Karen feels it's her chance to give back to the community. She is a member of the Sackville Moneris team that organizes the annual Christmas at Home concert, an event that donates its proceeds to Christmas Cheer. Karen also emceed this year's concert, which brought in over $2,700 for the cause.

"If I can make a child happy and make them feel safe and secure at Christmas, that's all that matters," she says. "I want to get the word out there, to let people know that there is help available, that you don't have to feel alone."

Merrill Fullerton, chair of the Sackville Community Association which organizes the Christmas Cheer campaign every year, says continued support from the community is vital.

Last year alone, thanks to the generous donations, Christmas Cheer provided assistance to more than 640 individuals from the Sackville area (that's more than 10 per cent of the population!)

"We help a lot of people in Sackville," he says. "And so when you give us your support, whether it's through toy donations or cash donations, you are literally helping out your neighbours in need."

Since its inception in 1966, hundreds of thousands of dollars and toys have been donated to the Christmas Cheer program, touching the lives of many families by providing them with much-needed food, clothing and toys at Christmas.

The Sackville Community Association helps out families or individuals who are facing financial hardships or those who are "in a pinch" and need help at this time of year.

The SCA is asking for your support again this year for the Christmas Cheer program, so they can continue the vital work of providing assistance to those in need. Toy donations have already been packed up and are ready to be delivered but cash donations are still being accepted. You can drop off or mail your donation, payable to Christmas Cheer, to: The Royal Bank, 103 Main St., Sackville, N.B., E4L 4B1.