It was just before Christmas in 1970 when a 6-year-old Manny Goncalves came to Canada from his home in Portugal with his parents and younger sister. It was bitterly cold and there was a snowstorm a couple of days after their arrival.
"I came here in shorts and sandals," he said. The snow and the cold were big surprises. But the biggest concern for Goncalves and his sister wasn't the weather but rather, would Santa Claus know where they had gone.
On Christmas morning they were much relieved. They were all staying with his uncle who lived on Augusta Ave. in Kensington Market. Goncalves and his sister woke up early and were totally taken by surprise when they were given gifts from Santa Claus.
"I remember waking up Christmas morning and there were these boxes and my uncle handed each of us a box. I turned to my sister and said in Portuguese: `See Santa knew where we moved to.'"
During the family's first few years in Canada the Santa Claus Fund boxes became a tradition. "We didn't have that many gifts," said Goncalves.
"I just know what kids today will be feeling on Christmas morning when they see the boxes ... You can imagine all these children whose parents have nothing and they go to school and are listening and getting excited about Christmas. To get a Star box means the world."
Goncalves, his sister and his baby brother, who joined the family in Canada in 1974, all received the brightly coloured gift boxes.
"I remember going to mass wearing the new mitts and hats that we just got from the box. Every year we got to wear the mitts and hats. I know children will love it (the gift box) and it's a help to parents because what child doesn't expect (something at) Christmas."
Goncalves, who now lives in Cambridge with his family, his wife and two children, has had a difficult couple of years because of health issues.
Sadly, he can't make a donation to the fund out of his own pocket this year, he said. But that hasn't stopped him from trying to convince others to give.
Even now, 38 years later, he vividly remembers the thrill of opening up a gift from the Toronto Star Santa Fund.
"Every child deserves Christmas and what you guys are doing is absolutely incredible."
If you have been touched by the Santa Claus Fund or have a story to tell, please email santaclausfund@thestar.ca
