Dream Center delivers gifts to 400 local kids amid rising need

More than 400 children in Greater Fort Erie will receive gifts through the Crystal Ridge Dream Center’s 2025 Christmas toy drive.

Co-founder Annaliese Vetere told Fort Erie Radio demand rose so sharply this year that the centre ran out of toys and bought gift cards to keep helping local families in need.

The toy drive runs on a budget of about $60,000 each year and aims to provide about $125 to $150 in value per child, giving five or six smaller gifts rather than a single big item.

“Seeing the reaction from the people that we are supporting, hearing their stories and what families are going through during this season, the sense of gratitude this year really moved me,” said Vetere.

More than 30 to 40 groups and individuals contributed to the effort, including the Red Apple store chain, which has fundraised for the Dream Center’s toy drive for six years and provided a large number of toys for families.

Vetere also cited donations from Mars Homes, the Ridgeway-Crystal Beach Kin Club and Canada Border Services Agency staff at the Peace Bridge office, and many other organizations, which have supported the drive each year.

The toy drive is rooted in the belief that visible acts of care during childhood can shape how young people understand community support and responsibility, especially during times of inflation and financial strain, which Vetere said has had a “detrimental impact” on many families.

“Knowing that people have a heart and want to give and support, I think models a great characteristic, so one day when they grow up, they can carry that same generous spirit.”

As registrations climbed, the centre had to adjust its plan after the supply of toys fell short. Gift cards were purchased for many families, including for older youth, along with more teenager-appropriate items such as hygiene products, socks and blankets.

“We were running out of gifts this Christmas because the need in the community was just that great,” said Vetere.

The pressure families face is not limited to the holidays and has also shown up in demand for meals through the Dream Center’s community kitchen. The kitchen previously served about 180 to 200 meals per service earlier this year, but is now sometimes providing more than 220 meals per service, according to Vetere.

“Everything is more expensive, and some people are just trying to make ends meet and can’t, so having access to support can make a week a little easier.”

The Dream Center runs its community kitchen program on Tuesdays and Fridays and offers a free school of music and free music lessons for people who cannot afford them.

Vetere said residents who want to volunteer can contact the centre by email, and those looking to help after the toy drive ends can support local food banks and food drives still collecting donations.

Stay Informed

Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Subscribe