Christmas hamper preparation
Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor
With hard economic times hitting Alberta, more people are expected to utilize the Wheatland County and Strathmore Christmas Hamper Society.
Organizers are expecting county requests to increase by 20 per cent. Last year, 67 hampers were sent out in the Wheatland County area.
The society requested an increase from last year’s $2,700 Wheatland County donation. A $3,300 request was made for the 2016 Christmas program.
“When you figure it out, basically the increase isn’t out of reason,” said Coun. Ben Armstrong.
Hamper cost ranges from $100 to $300.
The Wheatland County and Strathmore Christmas Hamper Society’s campaign kicks off Nov. 12. On Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., they are hosting a “stuff-a-truck” campaign, inviting donations in a truck parked in the Strathmore Sobey’s parking lot.
The motto for the society is “neighbours helping neighbours,” and historically in a time of hard economics, rural people step up to ensure everyone has a little something to help them through the holiday season. Food, new unwrapped gifts and cash will be accepted by the society. Those who can’t afford to donate can offer to volunteer in other ways by calling 403-934-9090 or 403-934-2266.
The society will have boxes for donations set up at Sobey’s, Co-op, No Frills and Walmart.
To apply for a hamper call 403-934-2266, after Nov. 14 and before Dec. 15.
Wheatland Crossing School contract accepted
With a few changes to article four of the contract, Wheatland County council accepted the contract for joint use of the Wheatland Crossing School gym. The agreement allows community use of the gym in off school hours. The contract information was circulated to stakeholders. The agreement can be seen under the Nov. 1 agenda attachments on Wheatland County’s website.
“The school will be totally run by the school division. We will not have any responsibility for ongoing, electrical, operating or any future capital costs,” said CAO Alan Parkin.
“What if” for Handibus
Wheatland County residents have long asked for increased hours on the Handibus service. So Wheatland County council wanted to know how much it would cost to improve those hours of service.
“This is the information I brought to the partnership meeting for consideration. Council requested that the Handibus bring in a budget for extra hours of operation,” said Coun. Alice Booth.
For an extra two days a week and four staff members needed to man the extra service, the approximate total cost would be over $111,000 annually.
“We certainly appreciate the $35,000 of funding given to us this year, as it is a constant act of juggling by the Handibus Association to keep the buses running and transporting our disabled and seniors to medical appointments,” said Coun. Alice Booth. “It is a very important program that is working well, but we still do need support.”