The Pathways Health Centre for Children, presented by Pembina, is bringing back its Secret Santa Shoppe on select dates in November, offering children an affordable and fun way to buy new, pre-wrapped holiday gifts for family, friends, and pets. The Secret Santa Shoppe is open to all children in the community and features a variety […]
The Pathways Health Centre for Children, presented by Pembina, is bringing back its Secret Santa Shoppe on select dates in November, offering children an affordable and fun way to buy new, pre-wrapped holiday gifts for family, friends, and pets.
The Secret Santa Shoppe is open to all children in the community and features a variety of gifts, with most items priced under $20. Pathways volunteer Elves will be on hand to help children select the perfect presents.
The Shoppe will be open on November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23. A special ‘Shoppe With The Sarnia Sting Night’ is also scheduled for November 18, which requires advance registration. Visitors can expect surprise appearances from Elsa and Santa Claus to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Families can reserve a time slot for priority entry or drop by during designated hours, as walk-ins are also welcome. While children shop, caregivers can relax, enjoy refreshments, or participate in a 50/50 raffle.
Marcy Draker, Donor Relations, Special Events, and Lead Elf, said, "Every year we enjoy seeing how thoughtful the children are about choosing gifts for their loved ones. Many of them spend time looking through each item with their Elf helper, searching for the gift they think would be most appreciated (although sometimes, young shoppers are side tracked by items they like most for themselves!)”.
Alison Morrison, CEO, noted that the event is a key fundraiser. “As one of our annual signature fundraising activities and the last event of 2025, our 50th anniversary year, we aim to surpass the $50,000 mark in support of our work with children and youth throughout Sarnia-Lambton, with physical, communication and developmental needs”. Morrison also added, "Secret Santa is so much fun for children and for the volunteers who support them. We have heard from many families that a visit to the shoppe has become a much-anticipated tradition of the holiday season. We are grateful for the generosity of the community in supporting this event, and our mission!”.
Pathways Health Centre for Children is one of 22 Children’s Treatment Centres in the province of Ontario. The centre offers a continuum of rehabilitation and support services in the community, along with an on-site integrated childcare service and a therapeutic pool.
Registration for the event is currently live. For more information, visit the Pathways Health Centre for Children website.
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