���߲ݴ�ý

“This year we are heavily focused on delivering to more programs and organizations in the community,” said Kyla Rowntree, co-founder of Guelph’s Holiday Angels.

She said some recipients will be from a program through , as well as clients in need at ,���ٳ�� , �����Ի� .

The baskets are made at Creative Edge, by Heather Grummet, the owner of the business at

“We’re still forging ahead, plugging away. We have volunteers delivering on Monday,” said Rowntree.

Grummet said they are especially happy to support the Boxes of Hearts social enterprise through the Community of Hearts, which provides job experience for adults with developmental disabilities.

“We started a partnership with them to put their chocolates in every basket,” said Grummet. “There’s also a wide variety of local products going into the baskets, such as local kettle chips and chocolate pizza from suppliers in the area. There are some festive treats for people to enjoy, especially those not getting another present this year. It makes them feel special and know that someone is thinking about them.”

Social worker Irene Dullaart, a longtime staff member of the ���߲ݴ�ýAssertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) through the Homewood Health Centre, said some of their clients may not have family or other support systems in their lives.

“These baskets just make their Christmas, they’re very important,” said Dullaart. “We do all we can to make December a really good month for our clients and we try to have a lot of fun. I can’t say enough about how happy the clients are when they get a gift. Their eyes light up.”

She said traditions can mean a lot to people who are struggling with complex mental and physical health needs.

“To have that one gift to open up on Christmas morning, it’s a big deal. They know that they’re not alone, they know that someone made that gift for them and it’s normal, right? That’s what people do on Christmas morning, they open gifts,” said Dullaart.

Right now, the ACTT program has 84 clients and a wait list, but they keep trying to add as many folks as they can.

Their tight-knit team of professionals covers all the bases and includes psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, peer support workers, addictions workers and more.

“We get involved in every aspect of our client’s life,” said Dullaart.

She said the team members are out on the streets, meeting clients where they are, be it apartments, shared accommodations or in tents. They help them the best they can to live their best lives.

“I have one client who puts her gift basket under her tree, and that’s it for her, that’s her Christmas. She lives alone and there’s no one else there for her,” said Dullaart.

Jennifer Duggan, who works in fundraising and communications for Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, said it is not rare for women to spend the holidays alone or struggle to get gifts for their children. Local women who live in their shelters or come to them for support often have to leave their homes empty-handed.

Duggan said their clients are truly grateful for the gifts they receive.

“It’s a very kind and lovely gesture,” she said. “There are beautiful things in the baskets from Guelph’s Holiday Angels. They are much appreciated.”

She said to know that the community cares about you, and a group of volunteers put together a special gift, can make all the difference to someone this time of year.

For more information about the Holiday Angels or to donate a basket to a community member in need, visit , or head on into the store downtown.