Mr. Speaker, the residents and businesses of Barrie—Innisfil have always come to the aid of families, seniors and the vulnerable in our community at Christmas. This year has been no different.
Once again, the South Simcoe Police Service has had another successful “stuff the command post" toy drive.
With food bank use increasing, Pastor Howard and Beulah Courtney of the lnnisfil Food Bank are doing whatever they can to help families have a magical Christmas dinner. Close to 5,000 pounds of food was recently delivered to the Barrie Food Bank by Barrie Ford, Barrie Chrysler and 400 Chrysler.
However, this year has been challenging for a couple of Christmas campaigns. Barrie and District Christmas Cheer, which helps 1,700 families, is a far cry from its $250,000 target. The annual Salvation Army kettle drive is also struggling to meet its fundraising goal this season. I know the residents of Barrie—lnnisfil will come through.
To everyone working to help those less fortunate, thank you for showing us what Christmas is about. My family wishes everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.