Red Roof Retreat asking for gifts from the heart

This December closes out the 24th year that Red Roof Retreat, a local not-for profit charity, has provided recreational and respite services to children, youth and young adults with special needs and their families.

Their Gifts from the Heart campaign, in the middle of its 14th season of fundraising, has raised more than half of its $60,000 goal.

It’s easy to donate, said executive director Steffanie Bjorgan. “You can just go to the website, redroofretreat.com, and click on the donate tab under Gifts from the Heart.”

“It can make a nice last minute gift idea, and a donation makes great stocking stuffers,” she said. “You can put the the gift in someone else's name, and you immediately receive the tax receipt.”

Funds raised will help keep programs affordable. “We haven't raised our rates to families in years, and that's because the community just keeps coming to the table. It's a gift that keeps on giving.”

The fundraiser runs until Jan. 10, “just when you have to start thinking about taxes,” quipped Bjorgan, who added that this “campaign is invaluable to the success and sustainability of the work we do year after year.”

As well as donating online, people can drop off or mail a cheque to 1594 Concession 6, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0.