Five fun ways to give back to the community this holiday season in Leeds and Grenville

With the buzz of holiday shopping and an abundance of social outings this time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of gifts and gatherings. But the true magic of the season lies not in what we receive, but in how we give. If you’re looking for ways to give back this holiday season, Brockvilleist has compiled a list of events and initiatives in the Leeds and Grenville area.
World Children’s Day at the BAC
What better way to celebrate World Children’s Day than by giving back. The United Way Leeds & Grenville and the City of Brockville are inviting parents and children alike to attend a free screening at the Brockville Arts Centre (BAC) on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
My Penguin Friend details the heartfelt true story about a fisherman whose life is transformed by a penguin he rescues from an oil spill. The movie is family friendly and will be screened at 7:30 p.m as a fun way to commemorate World Children’s Day.
Although the movie is free, donations will be accepted on-site on behalf of United Way Leeds & Grenville to help support the numerous programs and services that enable kids to flourish and succeed.
Due to limited seating, tickets should be reserved in advance at https://shorturl.at/Ten3n.

Mountain of Toys Kick-Off Game
The Kemptville 73’s are facing off with the Smith Falls Bears this weekend with the hope that by the end of the game, they’ll have a ‘Mountain of Toys’ to donate to
The kick-off game will be taking place at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24 at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. All hockey-loving fans are asked to bring along a new and unwrapped toy, which will then be collected and distributed to those in need by the Royale Lepage Realty Team in Kemptville.
Admission is only $5 for adults & kids can attend for free.

Gananoque & District Humane Society’s Holiday Auction
You can support the Gananoque & District Humane Society this season by partaking in their holiday auction, which is offering over $600 dollars worth of prizes this year!
Tickets are available online for a chance to win a fantastic prize package made up of gift cards from your favourite local and national brands, all while supporting the Gananoque & District Humane Society.
Purchase your tickets by sending an e-transfer to humanesociety@bellnet.ca with your full name, email, and contact number included in the message. The final draw date will be December 15th, 2024. You can learn more about ticket pricing here.

Smile Cookie Campaign
The Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign is officially underway and running until Nov. 24. Cookies sold throughout the region support Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, as well as specific local charity listed below:
In Brockville, proceeds will go to Brockville’s Loaves & Fishes.
In Gananoque, proceeds will go to the Gananoque Food Bank.
In Kemptville, they’ll go to he Kemptville Youth Centre.
In Mallorytown, proceeds will go to CHEO.
In Prescott, proceeds will go to the Spirit of Giving Campaign.

Photos with Santa Claus
The Brockville Score is offering professional Christmas photos with Santa Claus on Sunday, Nov. 24 from noon to 3 p.m., complete with a full festive backdrop and set up.
These holiday photos with Santa provide a treasured memento for you and your loved ones to enjoy for years to come. Although the photo shoot is free of charge, staff on site will be encouraging donations to the MS Society . There will be multiple donation options available that day, including cash, debit or credit.
The photos will be done in 10 minute sessions by Jacqueline Marie Photography and sent directly to your personal email.

