As posted here: http://www.dundasstarnews.com/news/article/227123

Christmas 2010 was a year of great challenge as Mission Services anticipated an increased need for services combined with increasing economic hardship for our supporters and community partners. Would we will be able to address the poverty concerns of the hundreds of people who would seek our assistance? Our Christmas Care headquarters at 50 Murray Street began preparations in late summer to plan, prepare and distribute Christmas Care Hampers to the disadvantaged of Greater Hamilton. Our men’s shelter, as well as Inasmuch House, our women’s shelter, also prepared for Christmas dinners, toys for children and personal items for our guests.

Although financial donations were a challenge, other resources and gift-in-kind items flowed in.

Schools, businesses, churches, employee groups, union locals and individuals gave of their time and talent to help us bring the gift of hope this Christmas. One person even brought us $68 worth of pennies, the change he picked while making his daily jog.

Not a day passed without someone calling or writing, stating circumstances required them to reduce their donation this Christmas. However, they added that despite not being able to help as much this year, Mission Services was in their prayers. What more could one ask? In the end, 956 households received Christmas Care Hampers of food and toys this Christmas. That is a 55 per cent increase in need from last year.

Thank you to all our staff, volunteers and supporters who enabled us to bring the gift of hope and God’s love to the hungry and hurting this year.

Edward Raddatz

Executive Director, Mission Services