Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic Secondary School is getting a head start on Christmas compassion, with its annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Market set to return to give back to those in need while welcoming in the holiday spirit for the entire school community. 

Taking place Nov. 29, this year's Christmas market will feature upwards of 50 unique vendors from small, local businesses, parents, alumni and students. Amid the shopping and entertainment, the school will accept both monetary and grocery store gift card donations to help support families as part of the school's annual Christmas drive. 

In 2022, close to  $2,000 in gift cards and cash was raised and distributed to families and within the local community in need.

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“We have families who are in greater need. (This time of year) is hard for everybody, with everybody buying gifts and such, but there are also people who can't even get enough food on a daily basis,” said principal Christine Kim. 

The numbers of those in need have been steadily increasing in both Toronto and Canada as a whole, according to Daily Bread’s latest Who’s Hungry? report. In 2024, about 10 million people (or 25.5 per cent) of Canadians lived in food-insecure households, the highest recorded rate in nearly 20 years. Toronto food banks reported more than 4.1 million client visits between April 2024 and March 2025, an 18-per-cent increase from last year and a 340-per-cent increase since the school’s first Christmas market in 2019.

English teacher Sal Valvo was a driving force behind the market’s revival in 2022, having been temporarily inoperable during the COVID-19 pandemic. For him, the atmosphere of the Christmas market is something you have to see to believe, calling the energy less of a sale and more akin to that of a family gathering. 

“It doesn’t feel like things are being bought and sold here; it feels like we’re sharing. The students take to it, the staff and their families take to it, and I think the community aspect of it is what everybody loves the most,” Valvo said.  

The opportunity for student betterment is one of the most alluring aspects. Students running their own vendor tables selling handmade rosaries, candles, baked goods and beauty products, assisting behind the scenes, student council-led photo booth pictures with Santa and even performances from the school’s music and dance teams throughout the day are highlights. 

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Valvo hopes for another successful year of fun, faith-filled support for those in need, saying Christmas truly begins with community. 

“ I'm really excited — it's a lot of work, but then at the end of the day it's a real payoff. Our school’s motto is ‘Heart speaks to Heart,” and that’s what this market represents, it really is the epitome of this school,” he said. 

Other schools in the TCDSB and beyond are also beginning Christmas-themed initiatives. St. Charles Catholic School, which is preparing for its own annual Christmas vendor festival in early December, while St. Roch Catholic School held its Merry & Bright Christmas Market Nov. 22. St. Eugene Catholic School’s Christmas market to follow on Dec. 6. 

For Pasquale Paolitto, the principal of St. Roch, the market is more than your typical Christmas bazaar, but yet another way to give back during a tricky time of year for many. 

“Our annual Christmas Market is a beautiful example of charity in action. Families, parishioners and local vendors gather to socialize, celebrate and share in the spirit of the season, where visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods. These donations are then delivered to families in our community,” said Paolitto. “This important initiative forms a key part of our school’s Charity Drive and helps us live out the Gospel message of compassion and service.”

At St. Eugene’s, student-led stations for arts and crafts, face painting, bouncy castles and writing letters to Santa will offered among the marketplace setting.

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Principal Gisele Gallo says ​​the event not only brings students, staff and family together for fellowship, it prepares their hearts for the coming of Christ as Christmas looms closer. 

“This is something that has become a staple in our community. The kids' fun pass is sold for $15, with all proceeds from the event going to support our various school initiatives, such as resources, technology and other equipment required. Additionally, it supports families in financial need in our school community.”