United Way Simcoe Muskoka and Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions are gearing up for Saturday’s Holiday with a Hero event.
Eighty vulnerable children from Barrie and surrounding areas will be partnered with first-responders and other “heroes” to shop for Christmas gifts for their families.
Participating services include CFB Borden, Barrie Police Service, South Simcoe Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services, Orillia Fire Department, Beausoleil Fire Department, Beausoleil Paramedic Service, Oro-Medonte Fire and Emergency Services, and Tiny Fire and Emergency Services.
The event will begin at 6 a.m. with a hero welcome at Walmart, located at 35 Mapleview Dr. W., in south-end Barrie. Between 6:15 and 8 a.m., children will be paired up with heroes and shop with gift cards that have been provided.
Once the shopping is done, they will enjoy breakfast, gift wrapping and other activities between 8:30 and 11 a.m. at Innisfil YMCA at 7315 Yonge St.
