14th Annual Gift of Christmas 2025 presented by the LCCTeam

12/25/2025

Gift of Christmas 2025: A Celebration of Community, Care, and Connection

The 14th Annual Gift of Christmas, hosted by the Lakeshore Corridor Community Team (LCCTeam), was a moving reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with compassion, generosity, and purpose.

Families connected through community food banks and community centres across the Lakeshore Corridor were welcomed into a beautifully decorated space created especially for the occasion. From the seasonal details throughout the room to the thoughtful table settings, every element was designed to ensure our guests felt respected, valued, and truly celebrated.

A delicious turkey lunch brought families together, filling the room with warmth and conversation. The afternoon was enriched with joyful entertainment by Carla Gonzales, whose live musical performance brought energy and spirit to the celebration. Children enjoyed crafts, treats, and hands-on activities, and the room was full of laughter, smiles, and holiday magic.

Community Leaders Who Stopped By.
We were honoured by the presence of Rudy Cuzzetto, who stopped by to present a certificate commemorating LCCTeam’s longevity and service to the community since 1999. We were also grateful for the continued support of Ward One City Councillor Stephen Dasko, who joined us to show his encouragement for the work being done along the Lakeshore Corridor.

And of course, a highlight for every child was the arrival of Santa Claus, once again warmly portrayed by Max Letham, who helped create special moments and lasting memories for our young guests.

Practical Support for Parents, Joy for Children

This year, care extended well beyond the event itself. Each household received a Shoebox filled with essential items, generously donated by The Shoebox Project, providing practical support and dignity to parents during the holiday season.

Every child received two gifts—an electronic drawing tablet to inspire creativity and a stuffed animal for comfort. Older children also received a four-in-one game set, encouraging shared family fun at home. Adults were not forgotten: each family took home a centrepiece plant, a living reminder of the kindness shared that day.

In the true spirit of giving, additional gifts were delivered to Armagh House Women’s Shelter, ensuring the impact of the event reached even more families in need.

With Gratitude to Our SupportersThe Gift of Christmas is only possible because of the generosity of donors, volunteers, and partners who step forward year after year.
We extend a special thank you to the Port Credit Community Foundation for their first-time support, helping ensure LCCTeam can continue serving families across the Lakeshore Corridor at a time when community needs continue to rise.

We also thank our corporate sponsors for standing with our community:
Platinum Sponsor

West End Tire & Auto

Silver Sponsors

ABS Machining
Pazan Gallery
APA Drugs Ltd.

Bronze Sponsor

The Waterside Inn

We are also grateful to our community supporters and contributors who help strengthen this event and our year-round efforts, including:
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 82 (Port Credit) (venue), Clarkson Community Church (community partner), and The Compass Food Bank & Outreach Centre, as well as many local businesses and individuals who support LCCTeam’s work throughout the year.

Special recognition goes to Pazan Gallery for their expertise in photography, video production, and website updates, helping document the event professionally and share its impact with the broader community.
Neighbours Helping Neighbours

The Gift of Christmas reflects LCCTeam’s commitment to creating meaningful, dignified experiences for families who need support the most. Serving the Lakeshore Corridor since 1999, and led entirely by volunteers, LCCTeam remains committed to the belief that caring for one another strengthens our entire community.

Neighbours helping Neighbours.

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Gift of Christmas 2025

12/12/2025

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🎄 Gift of Christmas 2025 🎄
With Gratitude From the LCCTeam Board

The LCCTeam official and unofficial members: Sheila, Marcelo Pazan, Tony Nicol, Gloria Pazan, Erin Whitton, Karen, Geoff Menzies, Jeff McPhee, Karen and Max Letham

As we prepare for our 14th Annual Gift of Christmas, the Board of the Lakeshore Corridor Community Team (LCCTeam) would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many individuals, organizations, and volunteers who make this private, invitation-only event possible for families in our Lakeshore Corridor community.

This celebration exists because of generosity, collaboration, and a shared belief that no family should feel forgotten at Christmas.

We extend a special thank you to the Port Credit Community Foundation for their first-time support. Your contribution helps ensure LCCTeam can continue its mission of supporting children and families who may otherwise go without a meaningful holiday experience.

Marcelo Pazan, Karen Priest, and Gloria Pazan at Pazan Gallery when the Community Foundation presented an incredibly generous donation to the LCCTeam

Marcelo Pazan, Karen Priest, and Gloria Pazan at the Pazan Gallery when the Community Foundation presented an incredibly generous donation to the LCCTeam

We are deeply grateful to The Shoebox Project, and especially Linda and Denise, for donating 80 beautifully filled shoeboxes of essential items for parents attending the event. This thoughtful gesture brings dignity, care, and real support to families during a challenging season.

Gloria, Linda, Denise, and Marcelo at the Shoebox pickup location in Miltion.

We also look forward to welcoming the exceptionally talented Carla Casanova, who will be sharing her beautiful voice in a live musical performance. This highlight brings warmth and joy to the day.

Santa (Max Letham) and Carla Gonzales 2023

Santa (Max Letham) and Carla Gonzalez from the 2023 Gift of Christmas event

Our heartfelt thanks go out to all contributors and supporters, including:
• Port Credit Community Foundation
• Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 82 (our host venue)
• The Shoebox Project
• Pazan Gallery (media support)

Paddle for the People & Event Supporters:
Charles Sousa, Stephen Dasko, Hispanic Canadian Arts & Culture Association, Chartwell Regency Retirement, ’Twas The Bite Before Christmas, Lakeside Paints, Pooches N’ Pals, Indian Cuisine by the Lake, Century Audio Visual Ltd., Southside Shuffle, Insuranceland

Corporate Supporters:
Platinum – West End Tire & Auto
Silver – ABS Machining, Pazan Gallery, APA Drugs Ltd.
Bronze – The Waterside Inn

Special Thanks:
Karen Mitter, Jeff McPhee, Sharon Whelan, My Olive, Maranello Café, Old Credit Brewing, South Side Shuffle, Lee Tovey, My Secret Kitchen, Victoria & Richard Peck, and Palma Pasta (for the delicious lasagnas at the Paddle for the People and the Gift of Christmas)

Silent Auction Donors:
South Side Shuffle, PC Athletics, By The Lake Massage Therapy, and The Beauty Rezort

All of this is made possible by the dedication of only four LCCTeam board members, supported by a community that continues to step up with time, resources, and heart.

LCCTeam has proudly served the Lakeshore Corridor since 1999. If you believe in the Canadian tradition of caring for one another, we invite you to support our work.

🤝 Neighbours helping Neighbours.
👉 Donate or volunteer: www.LCCTeam.org/donate

Thank you for being part of something truly meaningful.
— The LCCTeam Board