The Chatham Goodfellows are once again working to ensure no child goes without a Christmas.
The organization held its annual general meeting and awards ceremony Thursday night, officially kicking off the 70th annual festive campaign.
Brad and Heather Erickson of Portable Storage were given this year’s President’s Award. The company has been helping the organization since 2016, providing two storage containers for equipment and supplies at no cost.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Ron White, who has volunteered with the Goodfellows for over 50 years, including serving as president in 1968 and 1969.
Sean and Tanya Wilkins have been named 2024’s Mr. and Mrs. Goodfellow. Sean first got involved with the Goodfellows when he was five years old, and years later, began bringing his girlfriend, now wife, Tanya to help with toy and food packing. The couple now bring their three children to help ensure no child goes without a Christmas.
Last year’s Goodfellows campaign saw more than 1,600 families and 1,300 children receive food and toys over the holidays, with more than $228,000 in donations collected from businesses, community groups, and local residents.
Applications for support are open through Friday, November 29.
Other key dates include the Porchlight portion of the campaign on December 2, and Street Sales taking place December 13 and 14. Toy baskets will be delivered December 17, and food hampers go out the following day.