LCIH Virtual Holiday Giving Campaign

LCIH Virtual Holiday Giving Campaign - theHumm December 2020

Lanark County Interval House and Community Support is thinking creatively this year — they’re taking their annual Angel Tree campaign online! The virtual Angel Tree website allows people to choose how they would like to support LCIHCS, whether by giving gifts or monetary donations, from the comfort of their own home. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on women and incidences of gender-based violence are on the rise, the need for donations is high.

“We have seen a 75% increase in crisis calls due to the pandemic,” explains Executive Director Erin Lee. “Incidences of violence in our community are on the rise and the pandemic has worsened these unfortunate realities.”

The Angel Tree gives people the chance to purchase some holiday gifts for a child, teen or woman in the community who is in need. For those who are uncomfortable doing in-person Christmas shopping this year, an option is available to provide a donation directly to LCIHCS which will be used to purchase holiday items. LCIHCS Resource Development Coordinator Cathie McOrmond says fundraising has been a particular challenge this year. “Fundraising needs are more significant and necessary, but also more challenging now because of COVID,” she says. “All non-profits are struggling with fundraising now. We have had some challenges, but have been working extra hard to think creatively and shake it up. We are really excited to host a virtual option this year.”

Those interested in supporting LCIHCS’s Virtual Angel Tree can visit lcihvirtualangeltree.com . Donations of new, unwrapped toys and gifts can be dropped off at IDA Drug Mart in Carleton Place or Metro and Giant Tiger in Perth through to December 12.

“Gratitude is a word I’ve been using more since the pandemic began — we have been blown away by the support from the community,” says Lee. “Those contributions have gone directly to things like day-to-day safety and gift cards for food. Donations to our holiday giving campaign will be used to relieve the stress of families and mothers in need so they will know Christmas will still happen and that their kids will have smiles on their faces on Christmas morning.”

Lanark County Interval House and Community Support has been offering emergency and on-going programs to women and children living in or escaping from domestic violence for over 40 years. For more information about the agency, please visit lcih.org .

What Will 2021 Bring? - theHumm December 2020

By Kris Riendeau

Howdy Humm readers! As we may have perhaps already mentioned, it’s been an interesting year to be an “arts & events” paper. Interesting, challenging, but ultimately rewarding and pretty darn hummbling as well, thanks to the uplifting support we have received from so many people.

At this time last year we were putting the final touches on an issue that was full of fabulous events happening all over the Valley, and at the same time preparing for a fun event of our own —the premiere of Who Stole Christmas from Mississippi Mills? — written by Rob Riendeau and directed by yours truly.......

LCIH Virtual Holiday Giving Campaign - theHumm December 2020