Empty Stocking Fund

The Empty Stocking Fund was established in 1912 by Harry (Dutch) Ervin, a reporter for the Saint John Evening Standard. It began when he collected $30 to buy Christmas gifts for needy children after seeing two poor children looking at a department store's toy display. The fund quickly gained attention and by Christmas Eve, it had grown to $700. In a 1937 newspaper article, Ervin expressed his shock at the poverty he encountered, including children so hungry they ate oranges, skins and all. Today, the Empty Stocking Fund is one of the oldest newspaper-sponsored Christmas appeals in Canada, supported by the Telegraph-Journal. Its mission remains the same as it did in 1912 - to raise funds to assist the less fortunate during the Christmas season. The fund takes pride in its purpose and appreciates the incredible support from the community.