Santa followed by elves bearing giftsJoin Santa’s crew by participating in the “Adopt-a-Family” program of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation.

Charity campaign seeking campus support

Members of the campus community have a chance to make the holidays special for local children in need, through the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation “Adopt-a-Family” program.

UWindsor offices and individuals have been among the program’s biggest supporters, says Sabina Howell, administrative assistant in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications, who co-ordinates the campus campaign.

“Our faculty, staff, and even students have been so generous in helping the truly needy,” she says. “Families are experiencing a variety of difficulties and our assistance will lessen their worries in providing for their children during the holiday season.”

Sponsors may choose a family as large as two parents with four kids or as small as a single parent and child. Also available for sponsorship are youths on extended care — individuals over the age of 16 years old attending school while living independently.

The foundation requests that donations focus on food and clothing in addition to toys, as these items are often difficult for families to afford.

“At this stage, all we are looking for is for interested parties to e-mail a request,” says Howell. “A truck will pick up donations from the University on November 28, so we have lots of time to shop.”

Potential sponsors will receive profiles of family members and a list of their wishes. Send expressions of interest to Howell at Sabina.Howell@uwindsor.ca.