Small businesses giving back in Leeds and Grenville with Giving Tree Campaign

Over the holiday season, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) in Leeds and Grenville is running their Giving Tree Campaign to provide kids in need with Christmas presents.

BBBS matches kids with people who volunteer to support and mentor them.

The non-profit organization is a nationwide charity, but Giving Tree is unique to BBBS Leeds and Grenville.

"Every year, we work with businesses across Leeds and Grenville, to make sure that some of the financially vulnerable families in our community have what they need to have a happy sort of stress free holiday," said Bev Heuving, the executive director for the organization.

This year, there are 36 businesses participating. BBBS provides a Christmas tree decorated with tags specifying an age or gender of a kid that will receive the gift.

It's then all up to the customers of each business to donate the gifts.

BBBS covers a large region, with businesses participating in eastern Ontario communities such as Kemptville, Athens, Mallorytown, Brockville and Prescott.

"It really is amazing to see how our community comes together to support each other. I think that is one of the best parts of my job, is being able to have a front row seat to just all of the generosity and kindness," Heuving said.

Harley Edgley, manager of JJ's Country Diner in Athens, said it was a no-brainer to sign up because she was a "Big Sister" herself.

"I've worked with a local girl here in the village, and we've become kind of like family at this point," she said.

"Our customers are amazing. Within a week, our tree was empty."

In Mallorytown, Shannon Morrisson, owner of Skyward Active Health Centre, said their clientele is a big reason for their involvement.

"We help a lot of young athletes so, lots of kids and we love to help any kids in need as well. So, this is one way that we can just give back to the community that way," she said.

"Big Brothers Big Sisters is an amazing organization in our community, and so I always love to help them as much as we possibly can."

While the spirit of the campaign is to provide gifts, BBBS also accepts cash donations.

The Bar in downtown Brockville has been matching every cash donation so far, raising $824.

"We do this every year," said bartender Dee Pierce. "We have our usuals that come in that like to donate, every year it seems to be a success."

The Giving Tree Campaign began in mid November and will wrap up on Dec, 15 so staff can distribute the presents to all of the kids.