Community spirit shines brightly during the holiday season, especially when individuals and organizations come together to help those in need. Whether it's sorting letters to Santa or transforming lives through volunteer work, the dedication to serve one's community is evident across the country.
For Mike Mulder, volunteerism takes on special meaning this December. Sitting at his local Tim Hortons every morning during the holiday season, he sorts through letters addressed to Santa Claus, making sure children receive replies—a tradition he has upheld for over eight years. This year, with Canada Post workers on strike since November 15, delivering those letters through the usual postal route is out of question. But Mulder isn’t letting this stop him; he plans to hand-deliver responses personally, ensuring Santa’s magic isn’t lost for children waiting for their letters.
“Just having a personal letter addressed from the big guy is quite the deal,” Mulder noted. He reassures children and their families, emphasizing the excitement inherent to receiving mail from Santa, even when facing challenges like postal strikes. This initiative serves as both a creative solution to the postal halt and as a direct reflection of community volunteerism.
The Canada Post strike has halted their traditional Santa letter program, which typically assists children who write to Santa and expect responses back without cost. Thankfully, the community is stepping up to fill this gap. Donna Szpakowski, CEO of the Hyde Park Business Improvement Area, is one such volunteer. She quickly understood the need to act when she realized letters wouldn't reach Santa’s helpers this year.
Her organization, along with the Hyde Park Lions Club, has gathered letters at holiday events for years. To broaden their outreach, Szpakowski enlisted local courier services to assist with the delivery of letters situated too far for Mulder to reach. “We want to do everything we can to make sure there are no disappointed children due to the postal strike,” she expressed.
Meanwhile, Shaun Merton, executive director of the London Santa Claus Parade committee, shared the historical importance of collecting Santa letters. The parade, which has been part of the community since 1956, has successfully responded to children’s wishes with the help of retired postal workers, ensuring letters are ready for when postal service resumes.
“Every kid and adult has sent, or dreamed of sending, a letter to Santa at some time,” Merton said. Volunteers across the region are determined not to let kids miss out on this fundamental part of childhood magic.
At the Stoney Creek Community Centre, another initiative has emerged to capture the charm of these letters. Children can drop off their letters for Santa at the YMCA and are treated to the excitement of receiving responses. Librarian Shereen Fatima took it upon herself to rally this effort, ensuring kids still find joy amid uncertainty. Over 100 letters have poured in already, motivated by the community's desire to restore holiday cheer.
Communal giving is not just about holiday letters; it embodies broader movements to uplift community members. PepsiCo Foods North America's recent Day of Caring exemplifies how large organizations can positively impact local communities through volunteer initiatives. On October 24, over 1,200 employees from the company gathered to lend their hands to more than 30 different charitable organizations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This annual event, part of the PepsiCo Foundation's month-long Gives Back campaign, emphasizes employees’ commitment to effecting real change.
“What I love about Day of Caring is seeing the impact of our efforts firsthand,” Glenn Pratt, the director of the event, shared. Encouraging time off to volunteer fosters connections among employees, enhancing relationships across departments. It also enhances employee morale and commitment to social responsibility.
Volunteers engaged with organizations like the North Texas Food Bank and Children’s Advocacy Center, gaining firsthand experience and insights about community challenges. Some employees even partner with local organizations dedicated to supporting areas like southern Dallas, which is part of their Southern Dallas Thrives initiative—a project targeting economic opportunities for traditionally underserved communities.
Pratt added, “These events open your eyes to why giving your time and talent is so important.” He emphasized how volunteering creates bonds between employees and the neighborhoods they serve.
Further reflecting on volunteering's impact, Antonia Bowring, executive coach, and volunteer, shared her insights through the lens of her recent experience with the 29029 Everesting challenge. This physically demanding event requires participants to hike the equivalent height of Mount Everest within 36 hours. Bowring credited the volunteers stationed at aid stations with uplifting her spirits during tough moments, illustrating how acts of kindness can significantly influence behavior and perseverance.
Bowring encourages others to engage with volunteerism, highlighting various benefits such as building confidence, broadening perspectives, and fostering resilience through service. “Being involved helps cultivate gratitude for our lives,” she said, acknowledging the positive emotional returns for volunteers and recipients alike. “What keeps us going is the chance to help and support one another—act by act.”
The connection and joy felt during these initiatives exemplify community volunteerism's heart and significance. Amid hardships and challenges, the spirit of giving thrives, bringing people together to make meaningful differences. Stories like Mulder's, Szpakowski's, Pratt's, and Bowring's offer inspiring glimpses of humanity, proving there’s always reason to believe the holiday spirit can shine through, even during difficult times.
Looking forward, community members can anticipate continued efforts to support local needs and traditions, ensuring festive cheer and heartwarming connections. Helping hands are everywhere; all one needs to do is look around.
