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YRPA brings Random Acts of Christmas to 12 families, individuals in need (4 photos)

More than $10,000 was raised for recipients who included single parents, individuals with terminal illness, families experiencing job loss due to the pandemic, newcomers  
NewmarketToday Staff

NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION
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The uniform and civilian members of York Regional Police Association (YRPA) have dug deep and provided over $10,000 in funding to ensure sure some well-deserved families in York Region have a brighter holiday season this year. On Monday, Dec. 14, 12 York Region families and individuals received much needed gifts and financial support as part of the Association’s Random Acts of Christmas campaign with Jewel 88.5FM.  

“This is the third year the YRPA has run the Random Acts of Christmas campaign, but this year’s campaign has a new meaning,” said Rob O’Quinn, President, York Regional Police Association. “The current pandemic is placing unprecedented pressures on our social services, shelters, food banks and charities. There is job loss, more people struggling to make ends meet and even questioning whether they will be able to make their monthly rent.”  

“Every day, our members see first-hand how difficult this year has been for our communities in York Region. We wanted to do our own part to ensure some families are able to celebrate the holidays the way they should,” said O’Quinn.  

YRPA members have used money from their member dues to purchase grocery gift cards to help with Christmas dinners, new winter coats, boots and clothing, children’s toys, baby items such as diapers and wipes, and gift cards to purchase gifts to place under the tree for Christmas morning. Recipients of this year’s Random Acts of Christmas campaign included single parents, individuals suffering from terminal illness, families experiencing job loss due to the pandemic, newcomers to Canada, and families struggling through the realities of COVID-19.  

Throughout November, YRPA and Jewel 88.5FM asked members of the public to nominate families or individuals in their community who might need a helping hand in the spirit of the holiday season. Both YRPA and Jewel 88.5FM were overwhelmed by the amount of nominations they received and the many accounts of York Region families and individuals who were facing hard times or struggling to make ends meet.

But with the help of YRPA uniformed and civilian members, along with the generous support of five local businesses, the campaign provided 12 families with much needed gifts. Co-sponsors included: The Country Day School, Garbage Plus Disposal, Jennifer Jones Real Estate Team, Unionville Appliance and Chouinard Brothers Roofing Experts.  

“After the year we have all experienced, kindness and generosity are just what the world needs right now,” said O’Quinn. “Everyone can do something, even if it’s small, or even if it feels insignificant.  The simplest act can brighten someone’s day and reinforce the true meaning of Christmas.”

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