GM Canada and its employees did Santa’s work – or it should be said Sharon’s work – by delivering truckloads of gifts to children.

The General Motors employees delivered a donation of gifts and money to the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation that will support families in Ontario’s Durham Region through this holiday season.

Oshawa, where GM has an assembly plant, is a city located in Durham Region.

“I am incredibly moved by the generosity of our team,” said Jake Currie, Oshawa Assembly plant director, in a news release. “They ran passionate, creative fundraising campaigns, and because of them, over 850 children right here in our community will have a gift to open this year. It means so much to all of us to keep Sharon’s memory alive by bringing that kind of real joy to families in Durham.”

Who is Sharon Clark?

GM Canada’s tradition of delivering gifts to charity started 57 years ago.

In 1968, Oshawa Assembly employee Sharon Clark decided to skip the annual office gift exchange and instead decided to provide gifts to a family in need.

Since then, GM Canada, its employees and dealers have raised millions for families in Durham Region.

Durham Children’s Aid Foundation also runs the Sharon’s Kids program, named for Clark, which is part of the organization’s Holiday Hope campaign.

“General Motors Canada and its workers have long been a pillar of our community, helping to build a resilient and caring city,” Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter said in the release. “Their spirit of generosity and commitment to giving back continues to strengthen Oshawa and we are proud of their charitable support this season to the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation.”

Pop-up shop

The gifts, delivered in a fleet of GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks, were taken to a location where organizers set up the first-ever Holiday Hope Pop-Up Shop.

Through this pop-up shop, families were able to personally select gifts and essentials for their children, instead of receiving a pre-packaged kit, as they had in past years.

GM Canada said this approach better honours each family’s unique needs and traditions and empowers caregivers to choose age-appropriate and culturally inclusive gifts. Families are also receiving a grocery gift card.

More information on the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation is available on the organization’s website.

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