Thousands of gifts collected for children and youth in Montreal group homes

Collecting, wrapping and distributing thousands of gifts to children and youth in Montreal group homes — this is Batshaw Youth and Family Centres’ Holiday Gift Campaign — now in it’s 39th edition.

“We try to help,” said Frank Campanile, who is nicknamed Batshaw’s Santa as he spearheads the initiative.

“If I can, I will,” he added. “And that’s the reason why I do it.”

Batshaw provides youth-protection services.

Campanile has worked in archives for them his entire career — but when the holidays come around, him and his team put together the heartwarming initiative.

“We have exactly four rooms filled with gifts,” he explained. “We’re trying our best to make sure that every child receives a gift.”

This began in 1984 – with 14 gifts from the company Ernst & Young.

“Because of their initiative,” said Campanile. “We just continued the tradition.”

“39 years later, they’re still giving us gifts.”

From organizations to individuals in the community – a list is sent to these supporters which includes a child’s name, age and the gift they’ve requested – which was written out in a letter to Santa – the supporters then purchase and wrap the presents.

“I’ve met so many people, so many kind people,” he said. “It’s unbelievable.”

Last year, over 1,400 gifts were distributed to children and youth.

This holiday season, the team is on their way to collect over 2,000.

“Giving back has always been so important to me,” said Tania Raffaele, participant, Batshaw’s Holiday Gift Campaign. “Being able to buy holiday gifts for these beautiful foster kids is crucial for spreading joy, instilling a sense of belonging and being able to make a positive impact in their lives.”

“I decided for a second year in a row to give back,” added Alexandra Kyrimis, who also bought gifts for the children. “For me it’s important that every kid can have the opportunity to have a magical Christmas.”

“There’s one more room,” said Campanile. “We call it our clothing room.”

“Some people started knitting a long time ago to bring me all these presents and all these gifts.”

The fourth room also included some empty picture frames and lamps.

“These are for the kids who are aging out,” he explained. “Going in their own place, and they will need their own stuff.”

The team try’s to ensure that the children and youth who are clients of Batshaw Centres will have a gift to unwrap every holiday season.

“If we can help them put a smile, it makes me happy,” said Campanile. “I don’t need to see, I just need to believe.”