Goulais River business collecting food for Christmas Cheer

Tiana Byrnes couldn’t find anyone who collected donations for Christmas Cheer, so she’s using her Goulais River-based tool and heavy equipment rental business as a depot for canned goods and non-perishable food items next week. 

Byrnes will be accepting donations at Twin Equipment and Tool Rentals Ltd. - situated at the bottom of Mile Hill on Highway 17 North - from Monday to Thursday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The business owner says that she’s also willing to pick up donated food items in the Goulais River area.

“I decided to put up a Christmas tree and collect canned foods and non-perishable items for Christmas Cheer. They need the donations so that they can make up the Christmas boxes to hand out for Christmas Cheer,” she said.

The Pow Wow Pitch finalist will transport the donated food items to the Christmas Cheer depot Dec. 3 following the four-day food drive. 

“It didn’t give me a lot of time to do it, but I’d like to do my best to help out for Christmas Cheer and people in need,” Byrnes said. 

The Sault’s Christmas Cheer depot - situated at the former Walmart site in the Station Mall - will be open and accepting donations until Dec. 15. The depot is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The deadline to apply to Christmas Cheer is Dec. 3.