TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, newly arrived refugee children enjoyed their first Toronto Christmas with friends, Santa, farm animals and live music. The party was a celebration of the World Vision Gift Catalogue, a wonderful way for Canadians to make a difference around the world during the holidays, with some gifts even supporting local programs.
It was a fun morning for kids at the Christie Refugee Welcome Centre, and classes from a local elementary school who joined them. They had the chance to pet woolly animals, sip hot chocolate and munch on Christmas cookies. They even got to meet Santa himself. For many of the children it was their first time meeting the jolly man in red, an incredible moment for all involved. Another highlight of the day was live holiday music with Juno-nominated recording artists Sky Terminal - another first for the recent immigrants was a chance to dance and sing to classic carols.
Quotes:
"This is a huge celebration, and we're all having a lot of fun." says World Vision Gifts spokesperson Molly Finlay. "The event really touches on the joy of the season. Ultimately we're celebrating the generosity of Canadians and the difference made, here and around the world, from presents given through the World Vision Gift Catalogue."
Background information:
Featuring gifts that help people in countries around the world, The World Vision Gift Catalogue - Canada's largest source of alternative gifts - even has charitable gift options that help Canadians overcome poverty. These presents are the perfect meaningful gift for someone on your holiday list, and provide lasting hope and opportunity for children, families and communities. Find out more at www.worldvision.ca/gifts
World Vision supports a network of 85 grassroots community partners across Canada including the Christie Refugee Welcome Centre. Overall this network of partners benefits more than 65,000 Canadian children living in poverty.
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca
Video with caption: "Christmas comes to life for children in Canada and overseas through The World Vision Gift Catalogue". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20131209_C9129_VIDEO_EN_34776.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20131209_C9129_PHOTO_EN_34776.jpg&clientName=World%20Vision%20Canada&caption=Christmas%20comes%20to%20life%20for%20children%20in%20Canada%20and%20overseas%20through%20The%20World%20Vision%20Gift%20Catalogue&title=WORLD%20VISION%20CANADA%20%2D%20New%20Canadians%20celebrate%20their%20first%20Toronto%20Christmas&headline=New%20Canadians%20celebrate%20their%20first%20Toronto%20Christmas
Image with caption: "Kids celebrate Christmas in Toronto with furry friends like the ones available in The World Vision Gift Catalogue (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131209_C9129_PHOTO_EN_34772.jpg
Image with caption: "New Canadian children, along with local elementary students, meet Santa for the first time at a celebration of The World Vision Gift Catalogue at Christie Refugee Centre (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131209_C9129_PHOTO_EN_34773.jpg
SOURCE: World Vision Canada
CONTACTS
Angel Cheng, 905-565-6200 ext. 3364, [email protected]
Genevieve Barber, 416-671-0086, [email protected]
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