Christmas Programs
Annual Christmas Wonderland
Since 1961, Good Shepherd has been hosting a sit-down Christmas Dinner with turkey and all the trimmings for families and individuals who might otherwise be without the means to celebrate this special holiday.
Over the years, the Annual Christmas Dinner has been held at a variety of venues, but since 1992, thanks to the generosity of Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc., this celebration has been held at the Hamilton Convention Centre.
Each year, more than 600 enthusiastic volunteers serve a hearty meal to as many as 3,000 men, women and children amid beautiful table settings, festive decorations and seasonal entertainment. Each adult is presented with a gift of toiletries and each child takes home a new Christmas toy.
“Christmas is for family,” says Cathy Wellwood, Chief Development Officer of Good Shepherd. “Especially for kids. We want to make sure these children have the wonderful memories of Christmas most of us have. Fond memories are so important in life.”
Good Shepherd is delighted to announce that our Annual Christmas Dinner will once again be held on two floors at the Hamilton Convention Centre to allow for a traditional sit-down Christmas meal with turkey and all the fixings.
“People really appreciate a traditional Christmas meal,” says Cathy “But the kids really loved the fun that they had at the Christmas Wonderland last year.
“So this year we hope to give everyone—young and old alike—a day of joy and happiness at the combined Annual Christmas Dinner & Wonderland.”
In addition to the dinner, there will be play areas, carollers, elves, a live band, and much more. Bishop Tonnos will be on hand to bless the event. And of course, Santa and Mrs. Clause will be there with gifts for everyone.
This year we expect more than 3,000 guests, about half of whom will be children. It will be held beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Good Shepherd is seeking volunteers and sponsors for the event.
Christmas Store Program
The Christmas Store, now in its 17th year, is a valued Good Shepherd program. From Monday December 7 to Tuesday December 22, our Food Bank at the Warehouse is transformed into the Christmas Store, where more than 2,000 vulnerable families can collect a Christmas Hamper containing special Christmas groceries. Every child will receive a gift—last year 2,000 children took home a present.
Registration dates
Wednesday, November 16 to Tuesday, November 27, 2009
10:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday only)
120 Cannon Street East (please use Food Bank entrance)
Please register at one agency only.
Christmas Store hours (by appointment only–you must register)
Monday, December 7 to Tuesday, December 22, 2009 (Monday to Friday only)
You are responsible for your own transportation from the Christmas Store.
Please note: the Food Bank will be closed on Friday, December 4 and will reopen Monday, January 4, 2010.
Sponsor a Family This Christmas
You can help to ensure a family has enough to eat this Christmas and a chance to experience the true joys of the season. Become a Christmas Family Sponsor!
Click Christmas Sponsor a Family for more information amount.
For more information, please call Ruth Maudsley at 905-528-6565 ext. 3306, by email at ruthm@goodshepherdcentres.ca.
Honour Someone Special This Christmas
In Honour gifts make wonderful Christmas presents. You can make someone feel very special this year—a parent, teacher, friend or loved one. It’s easy. You make a donation to Good Shepherd, and we will send a lovely Christmas card to the person you wish to honour. Your single thoughtful gift is triply blessed, as it will benefit the giver, the recipient, and the people we serve. To make a Christmas In Honour gift, please call the Angel Hotline at 905-57-ANGEL (905-572-6435).