SECC reaches 49 families

LEAMINGTON – For the second year in a row, South Essex Community Council (SECC) has spread some holiday cheer to 49 refugee and newcomer families in need in the community.

With 25 rolls of wrapping paper, eight youth volunteers, 105 hours of wrapping, 49 families supported, there was one common goal: to spread Christmas cheer to families in Leamington.

Last year, Leamington United Mennonite Church reached out to SECC with a plan on how to spread some Christmas cheer. The SECC elves wrapped and delivered presents all around Leamington area just in time for the holidays.

“Seeing the smiles on the faces of the families when we drop off the presents make this so worth it,” said Laura Fanjoy, Program Leader for Settlement Services. “We are happy to make even the slightest impact on their holiday season.”

It took generosity from several organizations to pull it off. Mucci Farms, the Hasan Group - REMAX, Bliss Wellness Studio, UMEI Christian High School, South Shore Rotary, SECC staff and volunteers, and several community members supported the project by donating gifts, grocery cards and money for the deserving families.