Wish bags at the Christmas Wish Wrap-up Event - (CJ Goater/Acadia Broadcasting)

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care’s Christmas Wish campaign surpassed its goal of supplying 800 wish bags to kids in the Thunder Bay District.

“Every year, all of the amazing staff at Dilico, they reach out to the kids, they get their wish list, they create a profile, we database, we get them on the tags and people are signing out those Wishbags that are going to local kids in the city and communities,” explained the Assistant Director of Communications, Blythe Haynen. “The success of this campaign is really based on the community coming together to share in the spirit of giving.”

During the campaign, residents and businesses are given an opportunity to grab a bag with a tag to buy some items for a specific child.

Since the program got underway, more than 9,000 wish bags have been delivered across the district, including 13 First Nations.

“This past week we’ve been overwhelmed by the sight of Wish bags pouring into our offices, each one overflowing with kindness and gifts for children,” said Director of Child Welfare, Sarah Pelletier. “Every year I find myself in such awe of the generosity of this community. 800 kids will wake up this Christmas morning with a smile.”

“Some of the gifts brought tears to the eyes of Dilico elves,” Pelletier continued. “This is more than giving-it’s creating Christmas dreams. It’s a rewarding way to bring joy to a child and make the holiday season brighter for those who need it most.”