Welcome Hall’s annual toy giveaway brings Christmas joy to Montreal families
Posted November 30, 2024 5:08 pm.
Last Updated November 30, 2024 5:11 pm.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Welcome Hall mission in St-Henri.
The non-profit is giving away gifts to 2,000 children of families who are members of the mission’s free grocery store or its program supporting single mothers in Montreal.
Children received a boarding pass and were transported to Santa’s Kingdom, joined by flight attendants and more than 240 volunteers from various organizations based in the city.
“I think anybody at Christmas needs to experience a little bit of magic and what we’re hoping today is that this experience will sort of kickstart that period of time when magic happens for them,” said Sam Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission.
They got to choose a brand-new toy and of course, met with Santa himself.
City Councillor Benoit Langevin filled the role on Saturday.
“It’s an event for thousands of kids. So we’re gonna see 2,000 kids who will get 8,000 toys and have an experience, a holiday experience that’s gonna be fantastic for them. They come in, they get an opportunity to travel to the land where Santa Claus is actually sitting, enjoying himself, waiting for Christmas to come. And so, they get an advanced visit with Santa Claus, but on their way, they get to experience various lands and various events and of course, get a free gift,” said Watts
“When somebody is struggling and at the end of the month, they have to choose between do I pay the rent or do I buy food for my family? That’s a tough choice to make. It brings on stress. And so today is a day that’s gonna be stress free for them. At least we hope,” added Watts.
The event kick started many families Christmas cheer.
“I think for families who are struggling to make ends meet and all of these families that are at Welcome Hall Mission are here to come to our free grocery stores every week. They deserve a real Christmas experience. They deserve to be able to have something at the holidays that is a time of fun and a time of enjoyment,” said Watts.
