With only a few days remaining in the Robinson Chevrolet Buick GMC Christmas Wish campaign, Haldimand-Norfolk REACH is urging the community to help make sure every child on this year’s list wakes up to a gift under the tree.
Jessica Martin, Human Resources Supervisor at Haldimand-Norfolk REACH, says annual initiative pairs generous community members with local children whose families are facing financial or emotional hardship—something REACH sees closely in their day-to-day work.
Martin says some families feel comfortable reaching out to ask for help, while others are more hesitant.
In both cases, REACH staff help determine who would benefit from having a child’s wish added to the list.
And while the gifts are given anonymously, REACH staff often see the impact firsthand.
Some wishes are small but deeply meaningful. One story that stands out to Martin is a child who asked for nothing more than a basketball.
Martin says the effect often reaches beyond the child.
With the holidays approaching, REACH emphasizes that any act of kindness matters—whether donating to the Christmas Wish or simply offering someone a smile during a stressful season.
With many wishes still left to be filled and only a short time remaining, organizers hope the community will once again rally behind local families to ensure every child experiences the magic of Christmas morning.
Written by Matt Leblanc