This Christmas season, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is hoping to make the holidays brighter for children and teens in need. Today, being International Children’s Day, representatives from the agency with the help of a group of young Christmas carollers, officially launched the Christmas Wish Bag Campaign. Carollers festively walked through Intercity Shopping Centre spreading holiday joy and details about the campaign which aims to fill 600 wish bags for children.

“It’s the perfect day to announce this amazing initiative in the community. International Children’s Day is a day to reflect on the challenges facing children in our community. Dilico Anishinabek Family Care works very hard to keep our families together. However, there are still some children that have to be away from their family at Christmas For others, there are presents to buy and lots of things they would like to do but have no money available. One of the best gifts we can give to children is to experience the gift of joy during the holidays,” says Dilico Anishinabek Family Care executive director, Darcia Borg.

Through the Christmas Wish Bag Campaign, Dilico is welcoming donations from local businesses, organizations and families. Those who would like to participate in the campaign will be provided with a gift bag that they can pack with essential items, toys, books, clothing and learning tools for children between the ages of 0 and 17. Each bag comes with details about the boy or girl who will receive the gift bag, such as their age and interests. “Get into the Christmas spirit and help make a child’s Christmas wish come true. Charitable giving is a wonderful way to feel the spirit of Christmas and give a little joy,” says Borg.

This is the sixth year Dilico has been coordinating the Christmas Wish Bag Campaign for children in need. Over 500 community members, families and businesses participated in the initiative last year, filling wish bags for 622 children.

Those interested in participating in the campaign can find details at facebook.com/DilicoChristmasWish, or call the Elf Hotline at 345-3763. The deadline to register for a Christmas Wish Bag is December 12,  2014. Pick up and drop off is available at several locations, such as both Dilico offices, Firedog Communications and Intercity Shopping Centre.