Getting the gift can be easy — but wrapping it? That’s a different story.
The Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home Volunteer Association is once again wrapping gifts at Canadian Tire in Simcoe, turning holiday shopping into a chance to support local healthcare.
We spoke with longtime volunteer Iris Smith about their decades-long partnership with Canadian Tire and the impact this fundraiser has had over the years.
Behind the table — holding the scissors, tape, and rolls of wrapping paper — is a dedicated team of volunteers who help make it all happen.
Smith says when you break down the hours, especially since they wrap gifts right up until Christmas Eve, the contribution from volunteers is significant.
The process is simple: shoppers bring their gifts — whether purchased at Canadian Tire or elsewhere — and volunteers wrap them in exchange for a donation.
Volunteers can even handle large batches of gifts, allowing shoppers to drop them off and return later once everything is wrapped and ready to go.
Smith says the work is rewarding not only because it supports the hospital, but because it brings people together. Volunteers get to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones throughout the holiday season.
They supply everything needed, including wrapping paper, tape, and even boxes — many of which are collected and saved throughout the year.
All money raised goes directly to the Hospital Volunteer Fund, where it is designated for equipment purchases approved by the Board. This ensures every donation supports something tangible and urgently needed at NGH and NHNH.
Smith also wanted to take a moment to thank the core group of volunteers who help make this fundraiser possible each year.
And she continued by expressing gratitude to Canadian Tire for consistently providing space and support for the gift-wrapping station.
Shoppers can find the volunteer gift-wrapping station near the front of Canadian Tire in Simcoe until Christmas Eve — an easy way to finish your holiday prep while supporting local healthcare.