The Port McNicoll Lions Club is holding a corn roast on Sunday August 25, from 4 to 7 p.m., but that’s a small part of this Christmas story.
In support of the Port McNicoll Lions Christmas Hamper program, entry to the corn roast at the Port McNicoll Community Centre (560 7th Avenue) will be free for ages 12 and under, but admission for those older than 12 will require contributing an unopened Christmas toy.
“Last year, we did okay – 37 families, 87 children,” volunteer Cindy Vaillancourt told MidlandToday.
Her husband is a member of the Port McNicoll Lions Club, but much like some other partners of club members, she is not. However, Vaillancourt was asked to take over as organizer of the Christmas hamper program.
“This is the first year I actually have a group of fellow Port McNicoll people that are not Lions members – I call them my ‘merry band of women’,” said Vaillancourt. “They all help me to sort the toys and pack the bags, and they're helping with making the salads and the corn roast, stuff like that. They're people that are more than willing to volunteer their time.”
The concern over reduced Christmas toys was visible when looking at the empty shelves in comparison to increasing numbers of families in need, which included five grandparents raising children without social assistance as well as seniors living alone, said Vaillancourt.
“We had so many children last year; we usually have a small toy reserve, but we were pretty well wiped out of toys.” In 2022, Vaillancourt claimed 30 families received gifts from the hamper, and she said she wouldn’t be surprised if numbers continued to climb given the current economy. “We don't actually have a cut off, we try to help as many people as we possibly can.”
For anonymity purposes, Vaillancourt noted that she alone knew the family contact requesting toys but only on a first name basis, and only the age and gender of their children; her only questions were if the families were receiving help elsewhere and if they had made use of the hamper in years prior so as not to repeat receiving a previous year’s gift.
“At Christmas time, everybody's asking, every organization is out there trying to get money or whatever food stuff,” said Vaillancourt. “We just thought we'd kind of try to do something in the summertime when maybe people had a little bit more disposable income, but also they could have a nice corn roast dinner and help the community.”
Tay Township Mayor Ted Walker also praised the vital role of the Lions Clubs for both Port McNicoll as well as Victoria Harbour, providing funding and assistance to community groups, events and functions throughout the year with their generosity.
“This initiative by the Port McNicoll Lions Club is to provide Christmas baskets consisting of food and toys to those in need,” said Walker. “They have done this for several years and this year they expect the need to be even greater due to the tough financial times many are experiencing.
“I would encourage all Tay and North Simcoe residents to attend this great event and enjoy the corn roast and fellowship for the admission price of a new, unwrapped toy that will help fill the Christmas baskets to be distributed this year to those in need,” Walker added. “Help make a better Christmas for those in need!”
Offered at the Port McNicoll Community Centre at 560 7th Avenue, Vaillancourt said there would be both indoor and outdoor seating available to accommodate weather in the afternoon. Admission would include corn on the cob, a choice from several homemade salads, and refreshing drinks.
“For anyone over 12 we would like an unopened toy, it doesn't really matter,” said Vaillancourt. “We have ages 0 right up to 16 so it could be gift cards, they could make a cash donation, or they could bring a toy… we'll be open to whatever help we can get.”
Vaillancourt asked that those interested in contacting the Port McNicoll Lions Club for further information could do so through their Facebook page.
In addition, Walker noted: “Our food bank in Victoria Harbour is also experiencing a significant increase in demand, and they always appreciate any food or monetary donations.”
