By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
In the lead‑up to Christmas last month, Town of Lakeshore staff supported a series of charitable initiatives aimed at raising funds and collecting goods for residents in need.
The municipality’s Social Committee held its annual Holiday Help Out campaign, with staff donating money to purchase toys, gift cards and other items for a local family. Contributions from CUPE and IBEW helped bring the total to nearly $1,400.
Lakeshore firefighters were also active throughout the season. Sparky’s Toy Drive, a long‑running community effort, collected more than $9,000 in toys and monetary donations that supported 35 families.
Firefighters also took part in the Belle River–Rochester and Essex–Tecumseh Goodfellows newspaper campaigns in November, continuing a tradition of door‑to‑door fundraising. In December, a group of firefighters and their families volunteered at the Soup Shack in Windsor, serving soup to those in need.
This month, firefighters assisted with grocery packing at the local Sobeys as part of an annual fundraiser. The campaign has already raised $5,400, including a matching contribution from the store.
“It is great to see our staff go above and beyond to support local fundraisers and residents in need. These initiatives are a reminder that while staff serve the municipality as part of their regular duties, they are often volunteers and engaged citizens who care about helping others,” Mayor Tracey Bailey said in a statement.
“On behalf of council and our residents, I would like to thank all of them for their commitment to our communities.”