WINDSOR, N.S. – Eight long hours of musical performances, online and over-the-phone pledges, and an enthusiastic group of volunteers have made Christmas a little easier for Hants County families in need.
Over $36,000 was raised during the annual Christmas Angels telethon, which provides funding and support to families in need during the holiday season.
Melanie Skelhorn, the program co-ordinator for the 2018 Hants County Christmas Angels said she was thrilled with the community response.
“The community really came together and we’re going to be able to help our families through that, it is amazing,” Skelhorn said. “The fire departments really amazed me with their walks, together they raised over $7,000.”
Donations are still coming in through their website, christmasangels.ca.
The much sought-after Garth Vaughan Memorial Sou’wester, which is auctioned off every year, went to West Hants Warden Abraham Zebian, with his bid of over $3,300.
“It’s been a very humbling experience because there are a lot of families that you don’t realize need extra help,” she said. “The scope of it is changing, it’s more working families looking to provide for their children at Christmas or even as simple as having warm clothing.”
“They’re not looking for anything extravagant,” she said. “It makes me feel good to know we’re here to support those families.”
Josh Noiles, who has read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas for the past three years during the broadcast and was named this year’s honourary chair, said he’s thrilled to be involved in any way.
“It’s a great honour, a lot of fun, and really cool to see the kids get fired up about it,” Noiles said. “The story itself brings back a lot of memories, you kind of take it for granted when you’re reading it, but there’s a bit of magic that comes flooding back. You get caught up in it when you read it.”
“It’s a tradition that pays dividends to everybody around, the more we all give to it, the more everybody gets back,” he said. “I hope it’s something that continues for many years in the future.”
