Holiday Hearts – fundraising for children's toys

Jeff Green | Oct 19, 2022

Three years ago, Miranda Malisani, a Toronto based nutritionist, originally from Ardoch, and Mike McKenzie from Seed to Sausage, began raising money each fall for the Holiday Hearts Campaign.

Holiday Hearts provides gifts for children, whose families could use some extra help over the holidays, to augment the Christmas Hamper program that Rural Frontenac Community Services runs with the Smiths Falls Salvation Army.

Holiday Hearts is a two-part effort. First the money is raised, and then the shopping effort to match gifts with kids takes place. The RFCS Christmas Hamper program, which has been running for decades, culminates the week before Christmas when hampers are picked up or delivered.

As part of the campaign this year, Seed to Sausage, Cardinal Café and Kick and Push Brewing Company, will start accepting donations this week during store hours, as part of a special raffle.

Brad and Cheryl Long are also a part of this campaign.

For those who donate $25 or more, there will be a draw for a prize package, for $50 or more there is a draw for a $400 gift certificate to all four businesses, and for $100 or more there is a draw for a curated Christmas Party in-a-box, including a chef prepared 8 course dinner.

For details, inquire at the businesses.

“The businesses all want to work together throughout the fall season to make this happen for these kids,” said Malisani.

The raffle will take place on December 9.

Direct donations can also be made to Holiday Hearts by e-transfer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..