Bradford photographer Cassidy Hilliard has done it again, donating part of the proceeds from her Christmas photo sessions to those in need.
Since 2017, Hilliard who owns Hillside Photography has been booking holiday photo sessions in support of local charities and families in need.
This year, Hilliard was able to donate $2,320 to CrossTrainers Canada and their Christmas Wishlist program.
"Tonight was a heartwarming night for me," said Hilliard. "With the support of this amazing community 400+ individuals will have a little extra Christmas cheer this year! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
For the past 13 years, CrossTrainers' Christmas Wishlist program has been helping Bradford families in need experience Christmas cheer by providing food, clothing, and Christmas presents during the holidays.
Families submit their Christmas wishlist items to A Hand Up Clothing Room (run by CrossTrainers Canada) in Bradford, which are then published on their website for community members to view and fulfill by 'adopting' a family.
For anyone who isn’t adopted, CrossTrainers will use donated funds to purchase the remaining wish list items.
This year was their biggest list the organization has ever seen with 400 local residents registered.
At first Patti LaRose of CrossTrainers wasn't sure how she would be able to fulfill all the of wishes, but thanks to the help of community members like Hilliard, every family on the list has been adopted.
Town staff, local sports teams, church groups, and Bradford Fire also took part in this year's gift giving initiative.
"We have so much, it's awesome," said LaRose. "The whole entire town came together for this."
All gifts will be distributed this Sunday, along with a free holiday meal of turkey and all the fixings to-go. The meal is being made posible by donations from the community, No Frills and Zehrs.
