The holiday season is fast approaching and the Goldstream Food Bank Society is busy getting ready to spread cheer with their annual Christmas hamper program.
Buried in the basement of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 91, the food bankB次元官网网址檚 warehouse has been neatly organized with each food type given its own labeled space on shelves.
ItB次元官网网址檚 a step above the well-oiled machineB次元官网网址檚 usual system, and one worthwhile given the increase in clients the season tends to bring.
B次元官网网址淔or Christmas, we try to give everybody the same hampers,B次元官网网址� said volunteer Darrell Colwell. B次元官网网址淚t makes it easier since we have so many more people over a normal month. We have [clients] register, and all of our shelving is reorganized.B次元官网网址�
Gayle Ireland, food bank president, said they have budgeted for 650 hampers this year, but expect to have some extras left over.
B次元官网网址淟ast year we did 477, and this year, our regular monthly statistics say [demand] is up 25 per cent,B次元官网网址� said Ireland. B次元官网网址淲e will probably come in at 550-600, but we have extra food in place in case we need it.B次元官网网址�
READ MORE: Goldstream Food Bank in need of donations amid rising demand
Ireland said each December the Christmas hampers replace the usual monthly haul clients receive and feature a more holiday meal-appropriate selection of foods. But perhaps more importantly, the hampers include a few extras which can make all the difference to those in need.
Each hamper includes a gift card to allow clients to purchase a turkey or other main meat of their choice B次元官网网址� a practicality that does not take up as much valuable storage space as hundreds of frozen turkeys B次元官网网址� and a second gift card to allow clients to purchase toys for their children.
B次元官网网址滻tB次元官网网址檚 a very generous hamper. ItB次元官网网址檚 goodwill towards men, itB次元官网网址檚 helping people in these difficult times,B次元官网网址� said Ireland. B次元官网网址淲e are just trying to make life easier, less stressful and happier for as many needy West Shore families as possible.B次元官网网址�
Before the pandemic, hampers would include actual toys, but safety protocols saw them replaced with gift cards last year.
For volunteer Linda Weeden, seeing the looks of appreciation on the faces of clients when they receive their hampers is a highlight of her holiday season.
B次元官网网址淓specially the ones with children, it means a great deal to them,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭hese last two years have been especially hard for a lot of people, so I think this year it will mean even more.B次元官网网址�
Donations are welcome to help with both the Christmas hamper program and with the food bankB次元官网网址檚 regular efforts. Ireland said no donation of toys or in-date non-perishable foods will be turned away, but the most valuable donation for the food bank is money, as it can be put toward gift cards, the facilityB次元官网网址檚 expenses, or simply to take advantage of their large buying power, resulting in the most food per dollar.
Call 250-474-4443 or visit for more information.
READ MORE: Little Free Pantry in Langford provides discrete support for people in need
justin.samanski-langille@goldstreamgazette.com
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