Locals helping out for Christmas

Students at Lindsay Place High School in Pointe Claire are once more bringing their year's work to a head in December and getting ready to serve 1,000 Christmas dinners to the homeless on Dec. 25.

The group of about 50 students from all grade levels, led by Lindsay Place teacher John Kesson is frantically preparing the feast, which they’ll serve at the Old Brewery Mission downtown.

It'll be the fifth year the group has served dinner to Old Brewery Mission residents, and this year, they'll be able to kick in just a little bit more, with gifts of heavy winter socks, hats and scarfs, as well as the standard package of toiletries and other yuletide surprises.

What makes this group different from others that collect food and canned goods at Christmas?

"These kids aren't exactly your typical community-minded kids. A lot of them have had some trouble in school and a few have been suspended. But when you see them grow and change after working (with Old Brewery Mission residents) you realize what an effect the project has on them," Kesson said.

The group has raised more than $50,000 over five years to fund the Christmas treats for Old Brewery Mission residents, and this year, they're getting down to crunch time.

The students bagged groceries to raise some last-minute cash at Maxi in Dorval last weekend.

It's a year-round fundraiser, but donors can be sure their money is going to something and immediate.

"We don't give money; we but food and other gifts, and just the experience of working with some of the homeless people has made all the difference for some of these kids. These are people that don't get taken care of very often, and it's nice for us to be able to do that for them at Christmas," he said.

To donate food, time, energy or money, call Kesson through Lindsay Place High School. At 514-694-2760.

The area's top full-time English-language theatre is asking families to help families this year by donating gently used winter coats for the Koats 4 Kids campaign. Visitors to the Beauty and the Beast Christmas pantomime show between Dec. 19 and Jan. 10 can just leave the coats in a bin at the theatre, located at 28 Wharf Rd. in Hudson. Shows are Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and dropping off a coat at HVT will help some other family enjoy a warmer winter this year. Contact Carolyn Flower at the theatre(450-458-5361) or by e-mail at cflower@securenet.net. The coats will be distributed through Share the Warmth and Le Pont Bridging.

Pointe Claire radio station 94.7 HITS FM collected thousands of food items during its food drive held last weekend. Promotions director Marty Lamarre said this year's haul of over 21,000 items tripled last year's bounty of 7,000 items for three local food banks: Cloverdale Community Centre, the West Island Assistance Fund and l'Actuel, in Vaudreuil-Dorion.

"It's clear that tough times have already hit a lot of people, with the food banks being almost bare. What we brought them will get them through the holidays, but it's going to be tough. We've already started thinking about next year," he said.

West Island Youth Symphony Orchestra performed a selection of musical pieces at a benefit concert for West Island Community Shares recently. More than 300 people attended the concert held at Mary Queen of Peace Church in Roxboro. “I am always overwhelmed by the talent of this group of young musicians,” said Caroline Tison, Executive Director of West Island Community Shares at the concert. “Today I was also touched by the community spirit they have shown by holding this performance for us.”

The concert was an opportunity for the Orchestra to reciprocate for the funding they receive through West Island Community Shares. A total of $1,500 was raised through ticket sales and donated to West Island Community Shares, which raises funds for more than 30 non-profit community groups.