Article content“We are super, super heavily focused on the kids this year. I think almost all of the schools have either bands or choirs and are working really hard right now on some awesome acts for the webathon.”Article contentThis year’s webathon takes place Sunday, Dec. 7, from noon until 8 p.m. People are encouraged to stop by.Article content“They can come and watch, they can dance, they can have a grand time with us. It’s going to be an amazing day.”Article content Ryley Martin, left, Bridget Denman, centre, and Willow Wood were among the Windsor Elementary School’s glee club members that performed at the 2024 Hants County Christmas Angels webathon. This year’s fundraiser takes place Dec. 7. Photo by Carole Morris-Underhill /Carole Morris-UnderhillArticle contentNeed continues to riseArticle contentPerry, who was the co-ordinator in 2019, said the need for the group’s services has steadily increased. The first year she was involved they raised about $36,000. Last year, it was more than $91,000.Article content“I would be over the moon if we hit $100,000 this year,” Perry said, noting the organization has increased the salary cap for families by about $3,000. For a one-child home, to be eligible for assistance, the total household income is capped at $47,500, for example. A home with four or more children is $67,000.Article contentArticle content“Some of those income amounts sound high … but the money is just not stretching as far as it used to, and families are continuing to struggle,” she said, noting the organization helps a lot of single-parent families, and those facing special circumstances, like people who have lost jobs, or suffered an illness or death.Article content“We deal with so many different situations, and every year we’re trying to think of ways to support more and more families,” she said.Article contentPerry said she’s been asked if the organization only supports families that celebrate Christmas. She said they support everyone.Article content“This is about the holiday season,” Perry said.Article content“We do have a growing number of families who are not originally from the area, not originally from the country, who are also participating and want to be involved and want to celebrate the holiday in their new home, and are very happy that this type of organization exists,” she continued.Article contentArticle content“We would absolutely support what anyone wants to celebrate during the holiday season.”Article contentShe said it’s all about giving children joy and helping families cope with financial stress at this time of the year.Article contentArticle contentEvery dollar helpsArticle contentWest Hants Mayor Abraham Zebian said although the need for help over the holidays continues to increase, so does the generosity of the community.Article content“Even though (the webathon’s total donations are) growing, the number of people that are requiring it, need it and rely on it is growing as well,” Zebian said.Article content“Without that program, I don’t even want to think what the situation would be because it just helps so many. They do wonderful work.”Article contentHe hopes people will attend the live performance or call in and pledge their support.Article content“I’m hoping people come in droves and come watch in person and get into the spirit,” Zebian said.
Hants County Christmas Angels primary fundraiser fast-approaching
