Christmas hamper program helps record number of families
The Christmas Hamper Program has been in existence for almost 20 years now, and this year it is helping community members in a big way.
According Jennifer Scott, the volunteer manager at House of Friendship, the need for the program is greater than ever before.
“We had a record-breaking 5,600 community members who signed up to receive support this year,” said Scott. “That's almost a thirty per cent increase over 2020.”
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She attributes the increase to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and believes that individuals living on a low income are being disproportionally affected.
“Government supports such as CERB payments are starting to dry up and anyone who is working a low paying job have limited options when it comes to feeding their families,” said Scott.
She also added that the need for the hamper program and others of its kind, is increasing due to inflation and astronomical housing costs.
The pandemic did force the program to slightly change, but Scott believes it is for the best. Prior to COVID, families were actually provided with hampers containing canned goods, fresh products, and a frozen turkey. Beginning last year, the hamper switched to a gift card but the frozen turkey remained.
“We really value that people can now with the gift card, choose the food that is most meaningful for them and their family,” said Scott.
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The gift card system will be used again this year.
The Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club raises a majority of the funds for the program through its Turkey Drive. Over the years, the organization has raised more than $4 million and Scott said that this program would not be possible without the support from the community.
“We really thank the community for their support through donations and volunteering,” she said. ” Every donation that comes in between now and Christmas is going to ensure that people in our community have the support that they need to get the food that's important to them.”
The program has filled every volunteer position and will have 500 helpers this holiday season. Distrubution of the gift cards begins on December 8th and runs until the 17th. Some items will be delivered to people in the community, while others can pick up their hampers from five different pickup location set up throughout the community.
Donations are still being accepted and can be made at www.turkeydrive.ca.
