Christmas hamper kicks off

Chair of the Christmas Hamper Society

 

The Strathmore & District Christmas Hamper Society kicks off its 2013 campaign on Saturday, Nov. 16. This is the 28th year the society has delivered generous hampers to needy families in Strathmore and the surrounding Wheatland County. 

The original idea started in 1981 when ‘The Happy Gang’ in Strathmore heard of a family’s financial plight and gave out one hamper. Eventually in 1985 the Society was formed and has carried on the tradition of assisting families to enjoy a better Christmas than they would have otherwise had.

Dave Collins, the chairperson of the society, says that it’s business as usual as far as serving the whole of the area in the Wheatland County.

The changes brought about by the formation of the Strathmore FCSS, and the move of the Wheatland County FCSS to its new location in the county building, will see no difference in the area or the families to be served.

At the recent annual general meeting, both Lynne Walker of the Wheatland FCSS and Catherine Walsh of the Strathmore FCSS were elected as directors of the society, which will cement future long-term cooperation between all of the communities and their support services.

Last year saw 200 hampers filled, down slightly from the previous year at 230 which was probably due to a slight improvement in the local economy. But there is no doubt the need will be there once again this year and Collins “states we have a target of 200 hampers, which will require donations of food and cash amounting to $110,000.”

Hopefully, the public in Strathmore and the county will open their hearts and purses once again and step up to the plate with generous giving.

None of this could be achieved without the valuable support of the local schools, churches, service clubs and countless volunteers.

Collection points for food and toys will be set up around Strathmore and in the surrounding villages. Monetary donations can be mailed to “The Strathmore & District Christmas Hamper Society” c/o Strathmore FCSS (680 Westchester Rd. Strathmore, Alta. T1P 1J1). 

Volunteers are always needed to sort and pack food and toys. Please phone Strathmore FCSS at (403) 934-9090, to register. 

This year sees the main operation of the food sorting, moving into the newly renovated Strathmore Ag. Society Livestock Pavilion, which is where distributions will occur on both Dec. 16-17.

“The typical family we assist is usually a family where both parents are working; but their budget is so stretched at Christmas time, it’s often the choice between a set of snow tires or presents for the kids,” said Collins. “Typically, we help some 800 or more adults and children to enjoy a worry free Christmas season, so it’s most important to keep this worthy cause in mind.”