Cheering up families at Christmas time

The 2007 Barrie and District Christmas Cheer Association is celebrating its 30th year and and kicking it off at Rona Home and Garden Centre in Barrie Thursday.

Recognized as a registered charity in 1977, Christmas Cheer has become

sure sign that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in the Barrie area. Last year, over 1,200 families received hampers of food, toys and merchandise vouchers to help them enjoy a better Christmas. This year, president Donna Douglas has announced the most ambitious fundraising target in the history of Christmas Cheer, in order to keep up with the demand for help from across the community.

They'll be introducing the newly expanded Simcoe Office Supplies "Caring Cartridge" program, which hopes to raise $10,000 by recycling empty ink jet and toner cartridges with the help of Rona, Zehrs and many more community supporters. Find out about coming events planned to help raise funds and gather food and toys for the coming season while enjoying a PowerPoint presentation which looks back on the history of this annual community project.