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Gifts That Give Hope Dec. 5 at WFP
By Dan Schellenberg
Gifts That Give Hope’s website states that it promotes meaningful gift giving and support for non-profit organizations by helping communities host alternative gift fairs.
Cranbrook was fortunate enough to host one of these gift fairs last November at Western Financial Place (WFP), which was the first of its kind held in Canada.
The Gifts That Give Hope (GTGH) will be holding its second annual fair in Cranbrook at Western Financial Place on December 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last year, the event raised $3,500 for 14 local non-profit organizations. This year, the organizers are looking to increase that amount by at least 50%. Additional features at the fair will include: free skate with Santa, free swim compliments of Salvation Army, live music and food.
GTGH is a United States-based organization that held its first fair in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and was hosted by a local woman’s giving Circle and raised over $20,000 to help 15 non-profit organizations.
According to GTGH’s website, fairs are typically held in public venues where shoppers meet and learn about non-profit organizations, and make a donation to a cause of their choice in honour of a friend or loved one. In turn, the friend or loved one receives an attractive card with a description of their charitable donation. Furthermore, GTGH fairs give shoppers the opportunity to choose meaningful gifts for people on their gift list, while helping others who are not on anyone’s gift list.
The planning committee of this year’s event consists of: Riley Wilcox, Executive Director of Cranbrook & District Community Foundation (CDCF); Patricia Whalen, GTGH board member, who was responsible for bringing Jeanne Kruidenier, president of GTGH, to Cranbrook last year for its inaugural event in Canada and Livia Lara, Events Coordinator for CDCF.
Members of the planning committee are excited to be holding the second annual fair and urge members of the community to come out and support the event. All proceeds raised during the event go back to local charities that are making our communities a wonderful place in which to live.
Riley Wilcox said, “Gifts that Give Hope is an opportunity to explore ways of giving back to the community while in the company of friends and family. We encourage all residents to enjoy the free activities and have fun learning about ways to support those in need this season and throughout the year.”
Patricia Whalen shared: “Why buy another sweater or candy dish, when you could make a gift in honour of a loved one to support the important work of a local non-profit? These organizations feed, house, and educate families that work hard to enhance the quality of our lives. Don’t worry though, you will not leave empty handed. For every gift that you make to a non-profit, you will receive a card, announcing the donation and explaining the work you’ve supported through your alternative gift. Giving alternative gifts simplifies Christmas with gifts that give hope in our community and our region.”
Regarding participating in the GTGH program, you can also shop online by accessing this link. A list of local sponsors can also be viewed on the site. The planning committee hopes to see a really good turnout this year in its endeavour to promote such a compassionate and worthy cause. See you there.
