While the year-end Holiday Season may be around the corner, the Department of Athletics and Recreation at George Brown College has already started its third annual Adopt-A-Family blitz.

Working with an organization called "Parenting Solutions", the plan is to help two families, new to Canada, enjoy the Festive season just a little bit more.

The Huskies Holiday Party, a gathering of Varsity athletes, coaches, assistants and staff, is set for December 4

Organizers are hoping each person brings a gift and there is a minimum $5.00 donation per person.

"It's marvellous – the great support of George Brown students – helping in any way they can to put a smile on the face of people who may not be as fortunate and are surprised that people are willing to help them," said Jane Bolen, who is a consultant with the Toronto-based firm.

This year, the Adopt-Family program will focus on two families – one from Columbia and the other from Bangladesh.

"It's about caring and sharing – helping people who could use some support during a special time of the year." said Ed Mark, Manager of Athletics and Recreation at George Brown College.

The Athletic Department's first adopted family consists of two parents, a six-year old elementary school student and a 14-year old in high school.

George Brown athletes are being asked to consider helping out with donations of canned food or grocery store gift certificates. Each team will bring what it has raised to the Huskies Holiday Party.

The second family, with a seven-year old boy requiring Special Needs, also has two girls ages two and nine. They live in a two-bedroom basement apartment. The father works two jobs, and both at minimum wage, while the mother is taking English as a Second Language classes.

Last year, George Brown student athletes raised more than $500 in gifts. - DG