Joseph Ferguson, weighing an even seven pounds, was born to Larissa Melton of Orangeville at Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus on Jan. 1 at 7:30am.
Baby Ferguson was the first baby born in 2014 in Wellington County.
Local Welcome Wagon representatives Helen Marucci, Laura Gray and Virginia Burns presented the new mother with many gifts that were contributed by at least 54 local businesses.
A few of the gifts were items such as gift cards for mommy and baby, baby toiletries, books, toys and even a cake for baby Ferguson’s first birthday.
The Welcome Wagon has been active in Centre Wellington since 1969.
The representatives present gifts for about 20 babies a month and roughly 250 a year. A representative calls the hospital daily to see how many babies will be receiving gifts from the group.
Any baby born in Centre Wellington may receive gifts, as long as they are born in the township, either at home or at the hospital.
“Our job is a great job because it’s always a happy occasion,” says Helen Marucci, Welcome Wagon representative.
Welcome Wagon is an all-Canadian owned and operated company, and will be celebrating 84 years this coming May.
New babies are not the only ones who may receive gifts. Any newcomers to Centre Wellington are also entitled to receive gifts and civic information.
