Pay it Forward 2025

About 24 years ago we realized how privileged we were to have what we have and the ability to save and purchase what we want and need for our family. Up to that point our family and friends had gotten swept up in the whole commercialism of the holidays and everyone was buying gifts for each other. One year we decided...enough was enough. We put forth the idea to our friends that instead of buying for each other, we pool our resources and help others who were less fortunate than we were. Fortunately, some us work for school boards and community agencies and that gave us the ability to identify many families in need. Since then many other avenues of identifying families in need have materialized The first year we helped about 6 families by providing everything from stocking stuffers and presents to the Christmas meal.
Over the years, more people offered to help and the number of families assisted also grew. The increased need became even more evident as housing and food prices grew. It also became evident we needed to find a way to increase our funds and resources, so 14 years ago we had our first “Pay It Forward” Silent Auction and Pub Night fundraiser at Golden Brothers in Welland. This event was the idea of Brandon McPherson and Susan Reid as a way to raise more money and get more people involved. It was a great success. Last year we were able to assist just over 100 families from Wainfleet to Grimsby and all places in between.
100% of all funds and resources go directly to helping struggling families!!!!! We can’t do this event without the generous support of the people and businesses within the community. Please take some time to look at the bid sheets to see who our fabulous donors are.

Thank you for your interest and support of our initiative. If you have questions please feel free to contact Greg Sentance, Brandon McPherson, Susan Reid, or Pauline Sentance.

Sincerely and With Much Appreciation,

The Pay It Forward Committee

About 24 years ago we realized how privileged we were to have what we have and the ability to save and purchase what we want and need for our family. Up to that point our family and friends had gotten swept up in the whole commercialism of the holidays and everyone was buying gifts for each other. One year we decided...enough was enough. We put forth the idea to our friends that instead of buying for each other, we pool our resources and help others who were less fortunate than we were. Fortunately, some us work for school boards and community agencies and that gave us the ability to identify many families in need. Since then many other avenues of identifying families in need have materialized The first year we helped about 6 families by providing everything from stocking stuffers and presents to the Christmas meal.
Over the years, more people offered to help and the number of families assisted also grew. The increased need became even more evident as housing and food prices grew. It also became evident we needed to find a way to increase our funds and resources, so 12 years ago we had our first “Pay It Forward” Silent Auction and Pub Night fundraiser at Golden Brothers in Welland. This event was the idea of Brandon McPherson and Susan Reid as a way to raise more money and get more people involved. It was a great success, other Youth Counsellors that were also assisting families in their schools liked the idea and soon we banded together for the common good. Last year we were able to assist just over 100 families from Wainfleet to Grimsby and all places in between.
100% of all funds and resources go directly to helping struggling families!!!!! We can’t do this event without the generous support of the people and businesses within the community. Please take some time to look at the bid sheets to see who our fabulous donors are.

Thank you for your interest and support of our initiative. If you have questions please feel free to contact Greg Sentance, Brandon McPherson, Susan Reid, or Pauline Sentance.

Sincerely and With Much Appreciation,

The Pay It Forward Committee