The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP marked its 29th year of the Christmas Angel Program in 2025, and organizers said the need remained as strong as ever. Each “Angel” represented a local child who could use a little extra kindness during the holiday season.
Constable Mike Mahon of the Renfrew County OPP said the scope of the program had widened to include not only children, but anyone in the community who needed a helping hand.
Residents were invited to visit any participating location, choose an Angel, and purchase a gift — with no set spending limit — for that person. Gifts were to be returned unwrapped, placed in a gift bag, and clearly labelled with the corresponding Angel tag. Donations had to be brought back to the same location where the Angel was selected.
This year marked the 10th year the program had been expanded beyond children, Mahon said, in response to the growing need for support among teens and adults who were struggling. Mahon said organizers were doing their best to keep up with the rising number of recipients.
This year 610 Christmas Angels were distributed by the OPP to caring community members who were willing to make Christmas brighter for those in need.
Mahon expects next year that the program will continue to expand as needs continue to grow in The Valley at Christmas time and all year round.
(Written By: Richard Evans)