The holiday season is almost here, and we have two pieces of good news to share.
First, the brand new ChildrensFund.ca is now live. Second, the Christmas Tree of Hope has a new home in Hess Village, and you are invited to help us light it up.
A new website for the Rotary Children’s Fund
ChildrensFund.ca is the online home of the Rotary Children’s Fund, the Christmas Tree of Hope and Operation Santa Claus. We rebuilt it from the ground up to make it easier than ever to get involved this season. In just a few clicks you can:
- Make a donation online in support of Hamilton’s children
- Find a toy drop-off location for new, unwrapped toys
- Sign up to volunteer with Operation Santa Claus
- Organize a corporate toy drive with your team
- See what’s coming up this holiday season
- Apply for funds or toys on behalf of a local organization serving children
Take a look around, then share it with your friends, family and coworkers. The more people who find it, the more children we can reach.
50 years of the Christmas Tree of Hope
This year marks a big milestone. The Christmas Tree of Hope was founded in 1976 by 900 CHML, and for five decades it has been part of downtown Hamilton’s holiday season. Its purpose has never changed: raise funds, collect toys and bring hope to children and families facing hardship.
Following CHML’s closure, the Rotary Club of Hamilton took on stewardship of the Christmas Tree of Hope and Operation Santa Claus. We are proud to carry forward a legacy built by generations of broadcasters, donors, volunteers and community partners. Fifty years in, we are not about to let the lights go out.
A new home in Hess Village
Some traditions are worth keeping, even when they need a new address. This year, the Christmas Tree of Hope is moving to Hess Village.
We cannot thank Hess Village enough. They stepped up to take on this responsibility alongside us, encouraged us at every turn and welcomed the Tree of Hope with open arms. Their generosity means this tradition continues right where it belongs, in the heart of downtown Hamilton.
A big thank you as well to our friends at Corus Radio, Y108 and Energy 95.3, who will be broadcasting from the celebration and helping us spread the word.
You’re invited: Christmas Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony
Join us for a free, family-friendly evening with a holiday market, seasonal entertainment, activities for kids and, of course, a visit from Santa.
- Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
- Festivities: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Tree lighting: 6:30 p.m., followed by a visit from Santa
- Location: Hess Village, downtown Hamilton
- Admission: Free. Everyone is welcome.
- How to help: Bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a donation in support of Hamilton’s children
Bring the kids, bring your friends and bring your holiday spirit. Warm mittens are recommended.
Lighting the tree, lighting up children’s lives
Through the Rotary Children’s Fund, the Christmas Tree of Hope and Operation Santa Claus, community donations support local children’s charities and provide new toys to organizations helping children and families.
Rotary’s children’s initiatives reach more than 24,000 children across Hamilton. In 2025 alone, Rotary distributed more than 10,000 toys, provided nearly $35,000 to children’s charities and supported more than 600 children at Cathy Wever School.
The message is simple: every child deserves to experience the joy, wonder and hope of Christmas. We would love for you to be part of it.
See you in Hess Village on November 20!