‘Every little bit helps’

Winnipeg

Inkster Industrial Park

Luxton

The places may be different, but the mission remains the same.

The Christmas Cheer Board has two new locations this year — at 133 Paramount Rd. and 1414 Main St. Last year, it operated in a space 895 Century St.

For those unfamiliar with the annual campaign, the community-driven, grassroots non-profit organization supports individuals and families in need across the city by delivering food and toys — including grocery hampers and gifts for children aged 14 and under — to those who may be struggling or might otherwise do without during the holidays.

Right now, volunteers are manning phone lines and processing hamper applications, organizing donations and warehouse space, and preparing for the delivery process, which begins this month. Shawna Bell, the Christmas Cheer Board’s executive director, said the Cheer Board processed 26,000 applications last year — more than 2023, which highlights a growing need.

“We had some challenges with space last year, so we had to look for a new space. We have a large footprint,” Bell said, noting the non-profit was unable to secure one big space this year.

To remedy this, its Paramount Road location is serving as its core warehouse space, while the Main Street location — in the former home of a Giant Tiger — is for hamper pickups.

Bell noted the Main Street location is centrally situated, and on a busy bus route, which she hopes will make pickup more accessible for many people.

“We’re preparing for the same amount of applications as last year,” Bells said. “Of course, we’re hoping not, because it means the need is still there, but from what we’ve seen we want to make sure folks enjoy a good holiday season this year, and their kids have something for the holidays.”

“We’re seeing a fair few newcomers to the city coming to us, who may have recently left their homeland,” she added, noting the working poor and senior citizens also reach out to the board at this time of year.

“The cost of living continues to go up, but CPP and pensions remain the same, in many cases,” she said. “So many people are struggling, and they can become disheartened at that point. It’s a tough situation, and you so many heartbreaking tales.”

Many community groups have come together to do donation drives this year, and lots of businesses, both big and small, continue to be involved.

“Food and toy donations are amazing, but cash is also always appreciated, as it helps us to stretch the dollar,” Bell said. “We’re always super-appreciative of everything the community has done for us. And even if folks can’t do what they’ve done before, every little helps. If everybody just did a little bit, how amazing would this community be? Many hands might make light work, after all.”

At press time, a number of volunteer positions were still open, especially for delivery helpers, who can choose which area they’d like to drive in.

Visit www.christmascheerboard.ca for more information.