Former Rotarian Mike Hertz was on our meeting to talk to us about the Santa Claus Fund needs for 2020.
The Santa Claus fund is celebrating it's 34 year. In these years it has assisted some 18,000 families by raising some $5 million dollars that has been distributed to the needy families. Mike reviewed their mission statement.
COVID -19 has presented a new challenge in raising funds to match an increased demand for help. Personal donations are only 75% of 2019 and corporate donations are reduced as no face to face fundraisers could be accomplished. He did give a list of major cash donors which include our club. There has been some new fund raising ideas ventured. "Coins for Kids' will provide income up to Dec 31/20. The Co-op is doing a tell ask. Dec 11-15 will have a "Santa Claus is coming to town" which is an ask for toys . Volunteers will pick up any toys that are donated. The Tigers hockey club is selling TIGER t-shirts with profits going to the Santa Claus fund. A new 50/50 draw may be added as the first one was sold out.
The current request for assistance in 2020 has come from 657 families (594 in 2019) representing some 1362 children ( 1232 in 2019). Now any individual/family in crisis will get some support right up to Christmas day. The Santa Claus fund provides assistance though out the year for any family in crisis.
If you wish to make that donation, please go to https://www.mhsantafund.com and press the DONATE button. In the "notes" section please put a note like "2020 Rotary Club Pass the Hat", so the donations can be totaled by the fund.
Mike took questions and responded to each.