Tillsonburg Kinsmen’s Christmas gift basket fundraiser returns

Members of the Kinsmen committee working on the Christmas basket fundraiser met recently to preview how the baskets will look. Left to right are: John Danbrook, Geoff Cork, David Lopes, Bill Irwin and Mathew Thompson. (Contributed Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The Tillsonburg Kinsmen’s Christmas gift basket fundraiser is back and looks bigger and better.

The event launched last year to give residents a chance to purchase a Christmas gift that supports local businesses while helping the Kinsmen’s community initiatives.

“We were looking for new ones to raise funds no one else was doing,” said John Danbrook, one of the Kinsmen committee members working on the project. “It’s the ultimate Christmas gift idea, to give corporately, or to give to friends, or the guy who blows out your driveway. It’s all locally made or purchased, meaning the money stays in town.”

The fundraiser went over well last year and has already doubled this year due to some corporate purchases, Danbrook reported. He noted there are many repeat customers, indicating satisfaction with the baskets.

“One of the nice things about this fundraiser is that everybody benefits,” Danbrook added. “Local businesses get support, people receive a great Christmas gift, and the proceeds go right back into helping our community.”

There is a larger emphasis on approaching local corporations this year, but Danbrook said the baskets have universal appeal.

“The baskets make ideal gifts for family members, friends, employees, customers, or anyone who might appreciate a selection of quality local products during the holiday season,” he said.

The baskets are made exclusively of locally produced or locally sourced items. For instance, B’s Honey Products, Hayes Haven Farms maple syrup, Picard’s Peanuts, Schep’s Bakery and Rambling Road Brewery’s products are all locally produced. Some other items are purchased from local retailers, including Country Road Coffee, Coyle’s Country Store, and Roulston’s Pharmacy.

Committee members source the products, negotiate bulk purchases, and then involve the entire club in assembling the baskets. Three basket options are available, ranging from $55 to $100.

Beyond supporting area businesses, the fundraiser also supports the Tillsonburg Kinsmen’s ongoing commitment to community service. For decades, the club has contributed countless volunteer hours and substantial financial support to projects and organizations throughout Tillsonburg and the surrounding area. Many local landmarks, including the Kinsmen Pool and Kinsmen Participark, bear the club’s name for financial and labour contributions.

Along with the spring meat purchases, the club’s golf tournament, and members bartending at events, the Christmas basket fundraiser is a new fundraiser.

The Kinsmen encourage residents and local businesses to consider purchasing gift baskets this Christmas season.

Additional information about basket selections, pricing, ordering, and delivery is available on the Tillsonburg Kinsmen website at https://www.tillsonburgkinsmen.com or through the accompanying QR code.

Orders must be placed by Nov. 30.