The #local organization has brought back its annual Secret Santa gift exchange for 2025, offering a community-focused way for Sarnia-Lambton residents to spread joy and support local businesses and charities this holiday season. This community-wide initiative connects residents through a gift exchange that benefits the local economy and non-profits. To register, participants sign up on […]
The #local organization has brought back its annual Secret Santa gift exchange for 2025, offering a community-focused way for Sarnia-Lambton residents to spread joy and support local businesses and charities this holiday season.
This community-wide initiative connects residents through a gift exchange that benefits the local economy and non-profits. To register, participants sign up on the #local website and make a minimum $10 donation to a charity of their choice through the #local platform.
Once registered, participants write a "Letter to Santa" to guide their gifter's shopping. On Matching Day, each participant receives a letter from their assigned giftee and begins shopping. The gifts are then dropped off at one of several partner businesses across Sarnia-Lambton.
The structure of the exchange is designed to create a "ripple of generosity," benefiting both local shops and charities through the purchases and donations.
Rich Bouchard, Co-Founder of #local, emphasized the program's core goal. "This is what #local is all about, connecting people through acts of kindness and keeping our dollars right here in the community," said Bouchard. "Every donation, every gift, every purchase from a neighbourhood store makes a difference".
Registration for the 2025 campaign is open via the #local website. Gifts can be dropped off and picked up at seven partner locations: In Motion (Sarnia & Petrolia), Russell Street Home Hardware, The Toy Corner, Great Lakes Refill Co., Paulina’s Flower Shoppe, and Lake Life Studio. Participants can pick up their gifts between December 17th and 22nd.
The #local organization, which connects businesses, charities, and citizens, aims to strengthen community ties and keep more dollars circulating locally through programs like this Secret Santa, the Community Builders initiative, and the Local Shopping Spree.
This article was created with support from advanced editorial tools and reviewed by our team to ensure accuracy and fairness.
