Sheila Sibthorpe says she always look forward to opening the gift on Christmas morning that she receives through the White Cross Christmas campaign.
“It means I know I’m thought of over Christmas time,” said Sibthorpe of Charlottetown.
“It feels really special and it makes me feel really warm inside.”
Sibthorpe, who is originally from Ontario, has been receiving gifts through the White Cross Christmas campaign on P.E.I. for the past 15 years.
It is one of the very few gifts she receives over the holidays.
“I’m just grateful for the White Cross (Program) and I just want to thank them for the gifts and all the work they do and the people who donate to the White Cross (Christmas campaign). They are in my heart.”
The Canadian Mental Health Association on P.E.I. runs the White Cross Christmas campaign, which is an extension of its White Cross Program.
The White Cross Program provides social and recreational activities throughout the year to its members.
Its biggest program is the White Cross Christmas campaign. Every year, volunteers collect and distribute hundreds gifts to those who are experiencing mental or emotional health problems in the community.
Two of those volunteers with White Cross Christmas campaign are Ross Doucette and Cheryl Young. These committee members with the White Cross Christmas campaign also work in the recreation department at Hillsborough Hospital.
Young has been with the White Cross Christmas campaign for almost five years and says her first year was an eye-opening experience.
“Coming from a background of always being spoiled at Christmas time, you kind of think that is the norm,” said Young.
“The (White Cross Christmas campaign) opened my eyes to how many people really are in need.”
Doucette said he has found the experience rewarding.
“It’s been great,” said Doucette. “It gives you that good Christmas feeling that you should have around Christmas time.”
Another White Cross Christmas recipient is Sterling Moore of Charlottetown.
Moore says he is appreciative and happy when he receives a gift.
“I feel grateful for the people, the ones that volunteer and the ones that donate.”
Moore says he is hoping to receive a pair of mitts for Christmas this year, and Sibthorpe hopes to receive a hat, scarf and glove set.
Sharon Claybourne, White Cross Program co-ordinator with the Canadian Mental Health Association P.E.I. division, said she is always gripped by the kind-heartedness of Islanders.
“It’s made possible because of the generous people within P.E.I. that donate gifts and monetary donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association,” said Claybourne. “Without their generous donations, this program couldn’t happen.”
The last day for donations is Dec. 7. Every gift will be wrapped and delivered by Dec. 12.
Fact Box 1:
Donation boxes can be found at the following locations:
Charlottetown:
Fitzroy Centre Clubhouse - 170 Fitzroy St.
CMHA-P.E.I. Division Office - 178 Fitzroy St.
McGill Centre - 55 McGill Ave.
Richmond Centre - 1 Rochford St.
Sherwood Drug Mart - 19 Brackley Point Rd.
Murchison Centre - 17 St. Pius X St.
Connolly Street Lions Bingo Hall - 46 Connolly St.
Confederation Centre Library - 145 Richmond St.
Rawsome Juice Bar - 133 Queen St.
Naturally Fit - 166 St. Peters Rd.
Summerside:
Notre Dame Place - 67 Duke St.
CMHA-P.E.I. office - 61 Duke St.
The Medicine Shoppe - 54 Central St.
Shoppers - Summerside Mall
Kensington:
Murphy’s Pharmacy - 56 Broadway St. North
Tyne Valley:
Murphy’s Pharmacy - 7033 Route 12
Alberton:
Bray’s Independent Grocers - 499 Main St.
Alberton Pharmacy - 483 Main St.
Hope Centre - 410 Main St.
The Medicine Shoppe - 152 Poplar St.
O’Leary:
O’Leary’s Farmers Co-op - 500 Main St.
Tignish:
Credit Union - 284 Business St.
Fact Box 2:
Just the facts
- Any of the following items will be gladly accepted: hats; mitts; socks; gloves; toothbrush; toothpaste; deodorant; shampoo and conditioner; razors; shaving cream; calendars; books; chocolates; sugar-free candies; coffee and other gift cards.
- Sharon Claybourne, White Cross Program co-ordinator with the Canadian Mental Health Association P.E.I. division, notes that 80 per cent of the people who receive gifts are men and 20 per cent are women. Monetary donations can be made in the following ways:
- By visiting CMHA-P.E.I. in Charlottetown (178 Fitzroy St.), Notre Dame Place in Summerside (67 Duke St.) or Hope Centre in Alberton (410 Main St.). Make the cheque payable to Canadian Mental Health Association P.E.I. It is also necessary to provide a full mailing address in order to receive a tax receipt.
- By calling 902-566-3034
- By going online at www.pei.cmha.ca
- The deadline for donations is Dec. 7
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