Thanks to the generosity of the Cathedral family, all of the Christmas Angel gifts requested for needy children were supplied on time. The value was approximately $1,150.

Forty paper angels were hung on a small tree in the Cathedral, each requesting a specific Christmas gift or stocking stuffers for a needy boy or girl in our city. The Fredericton Food Bank, Greener Village, coordinates the collection of names and wishes, and solicits local businesses and individuals to show kindness through gift giving.

Ann Deveau, with Charlotte and Claire McKnight, sorting gifts after worship.

The Cathedral has participated in the Angel Tree program for decades, and the food bank is appreciative of this consistent participation. The Outreach Committee currently co-ordinates the collection of toys and stocking stuffers although, in earlier years, the Anglican Church Women (ACW) capably led the effort.

Gifts were requested to be returned to the Cathedral by 17 November, which was earlier than in previous years.

“This was the food bank's deadline for our crop of angels, allowing them time to distribute gifts to the hundreds of families they serve,” explained Outreach Committee treasurer Doug Milander.

Some of the many gifts donated by members of our congregation.

Greener Village Angel Tree Project Coordinator, Alexa English, says that the community response has been extremely positive, and she expects all families to receive the gifts requested. Although group donations have been collected, individual angels are still available on an Angel Tree located in the Regent Mall. In addition to angel tags requesting a specific gift, the program also accepts monetary donations to purchase gifts and help families in need through other food bank programs.

Another option for Christmas giving

Cathedral members who would like to participate in another method of Christmas giving are encouraged to write a cheque payable to Christ Church Cathedral and indicate Christmas Outreach on the memo line. As in past years, these funds will be divided equally among the Fredericton Homeless Shelters, Women in Transition House Inc. and the Fredericton Community Kitchens. Cheques may be delivered to the Cathedral office by 17 December.