CREDIT: DARBY MOUSSEAU
Adopt-A-Family Donation boxes can be found at cashier stations in Oasis, at the Biz Booth, in FSU Publications office in SC1012, and the Out Back Shack.

For the past 10 years, Fanshawe Student Union has provided a Christmas for a local London family and this year is no different.

The tradition began when FSU Publications began working with the Salvation Army in 2006 and shifted three years later, partnering with Lori Masterson, a resource consultant for All Kids Belong.

“We decided to do something local and more close to home so we contacted Lori Masterson who helped us out with finding families who are in need, families who are the working poor who are trying to make a difference for their kids,” said Darby Mousseau, the creative director for FSU Publications.

In October, Masterson meets with families and chooses which one the FSU will be adopting for that Christmas.

“We meet with the family and find out what the children’s Christmas lists are, what their sizes are, things like that and I give the list to the publications at the FSU,” Masterson said.

In November boxes are set up throughout the Fanshawe Student Union, money is raised from the FSU Christmas party and raffle tickets are sold, with all donations going to the Adopt-A-Family fund.

And this year, the Out Back Shack is setting up a “donate button” where students can add some money to their bill for the family.

“We are also taking donations and keying them into the computer. Anybody that wants to make a donation can have that amount added to their bill and then pay for it when they pay for their purchase,” said Gary Deline, Out Back Shack operations manager.

The boxes and donations are shut down before exams in December and the money is tallied. Once all the money is in, the FSU Publications’ team goes shopping for a day and checks off the items on the children’s Christmas list.

“We go shopping and then come back and wrap everything, it’s a team-building day,” Mousseau said. “[FSU Publications staff] always gets something for the family too, whether it’s a mom or a dad, there’s always something for them as well,” Masterson said.

Finally, just before Christmas, the bag of gifts is delivered to the family.

“That is the best day, I always leave crying… they are just so grateful, it’s fun that they don’t even know what’s wrapped, it’s going to be a surprise for everyone on Christmas morning,” Mousseau said.

FSU Catering Services also gets involved and provides a hot Christmas meal to the family so they can not only have presents under their tree, but also gourmet food to eat.

The consensus amongst all those involved is that Adopt-A-Family brings the magic of Christmas to the family.

“At first I was a little embarrassed as when you are a mom you want to be able to give your kids a great Christmas. Then I went from embarrassed to feeling excited and so happy,” said a mother who was adopted two years ago. “I was able to pay my bills and not stress about finding the toys that she asked Santa for. I cried at night thinking how lucky we were to be adopted by the FSU staff and students.”

According to Masterson, Adopt- A-Family is an easy way to give back to the City of London, to those who struggle to make ends meet.

“You are making a Christmas magical for a family who otherwise probably wouldn’t have had anything, they might have had one gift under the tree, but this way they are having a hot meal, they are having gifts and they are able to rejoice as a family,” Masterson said.

And to the FSU community, the families are at a loss of words when it comes to trying to thank the people who restored the magic of Christmas.

“I can’t thank you enough. Your kindness and thoughtfulness will always be remembered. You made my little girl and myself have our best Christmas ever. I don’t think you can understand how much you helped me.”

Donation boxes can be found at cashier stations in Oasis, at the Biz Booth, in FSU Publications office in SC1012, and the Out Back Shack, which is also accepting donations on your bill.