Share Joy This Season: Support Local Families Through the Dorrell Young Christmas Program

The holiday season is your chance to make a real difference in the lives of local families. Bruce County’s Human Services department is proud to launch the 2025 Dorrell Young Christmas Program, and we’re inviting you to help us share the joy! 

The Dorrell Young Christmas Program is in its 29th year, carrying on a tradition of providing for children and families during the holiday season across the County. 

Each year, the program supports approximately 500 children and teenagers, along with adult family members, through donations and sponsorships from individuals, businesses and community organizations. Whether it’s an unwrapped gift or a monetary donation, you can help make the holidays brighter for those who need it most. 

We are grateful for initial sponsors, the Power Workers’ Union for their donation of $5,000 and the Cargill Community Foundation for their donation of $3,000. Their generous support is helping us reach even more children and families across Bruce County this year. 

From November 12 to December 5, there are a few ways to get involved:

Drop off an unwrapped gift for a child or teen at Bruce County office location:

• Bruce County Administrative Centre: 30 Park Street, Walkerton.
  • Lakeshore Hub: 1243 MacKenzie Road, Port Elgin.
  • Peninsula Hub: 268 Berford Street, Wiarton.
  • Penetangore Hub: 529 Gary Street, Kincardine.
• Sponsor a family - connect with us at 1-800-265-3022 so we may provide you with details to help you shop thoughtfully.
• Donate a new, unwrapped pair of children’s pajamas at any Bruce County Public Library branch.
• Make a monetary donation online (donations of $20+ are eligible for a tax receipt): https://payments.brucecounty.on.ca/product/dorrell-young-christmas-program-donation

“As a community, we thrive when we support one another. Every generous contribution to the Dorrell Young Christmas Program, big or small, will help support children and families in our communities this holiday season,” says Tina Metcalfe, Director of Human Services at Bruce County.  

Let’s make this season magical. One gift, one family, one act of kindness at a time. 

Learn more at www.brucecounty.on.ca/dorrell-young-christmas-program. 

About the Dorrell Young Christmas Program:  

The Christmas Program began in 1996 when staff at Mildmay Sacred Heart School chose to buy gifts for local children in need rather than exchanging presents amongst themselves. Inspired by their actions, a Bruce County staff member began matching staff members with local children, delivering gifts to families each season. 

As the program grew year after year, Sacred Heart eventually passed the tradition to Bruce County. This program runs entirely on the goodwill of staff and the generosity of the community. 

Dorrell Young was a beloved financial clerk with Bruce County Human Services who was passionate about helping families during the holiday season, especially through The Christmas Program. Following her tragic passing in 2002, Bruce County renamed the program in her honour, an annual legacy of kindness and charity.