Media Releases

28 June, 2010
Charities Partner to Ensure Local Kids Have Tools 4 School

14 May, 2010
$8,000 Raised for Two Local Charities

12 April, 2010
Mother’s Day Is Almost Here!

Thousands of Families Still Waiting for Help this Christmas

Ottawa, December 12th, 2011 – For nearly a century the Christmas Exchange Program has provided help to struggling families at Christmas. Today it is in desperate need of funds. With Christmas less than two weeks away, over $350,000 is still needed to ensure that every child, woman and man on the growing list will be able to celebrate Christmas.

“Ottawa residents are still applying daily to receive either a food hamper or a gift-voucher to Giant Tiger. Working with over 300 local organizations, we ensure that assistance is provided without helping the same people twice.” said Marilyn Matheson, Executive Director. “At the moment we have close to 10,000 families on the list, have only been able to help a faction of them until more funds are received.”

“For those who have never faced the overwhelming challenge of living on a fixed income or minimum wage income, it is difficult to appreciate how tough the holiday season can be and how much a gift-voucher represents,” added Ms. Matheson. “I don’t look forward to telling any family that we can’t provide help due to shortage of funds.”

When asked about the funding received through the Christmas Cheer Foundation on December 8th, 2011, Matheson explained: “The Christmas Exchange Program was fortunate enough to be once again one of the charities receiving a portion of the profits. It was wonderful to be a part of this campaign however the $45,000 the Christmas Exchange Program received will help less than 10% of the families on our list. Christmas Exchange still needs donations in order to help thousands more families.

In addition to providing direct assistance, the Caring and Sharing Exchange provides a co-ordination service to cross-reference applications made to other organizations that also provide assistance. This helps to avoid duplication of service, increase efficiency of all organizations involved, while stretching donations go as far as possible.

For more information about the Caring and Sharing Exchange and its programs, or to make a donation, please call 613-226-6434 or donate online on this secure donation form.

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For further information:

Julie Séguin
Communications Coordinator
the Caring and Sharing Exchange
613-226-6434
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