\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhoto by Simon Fuller<\/p>\n
Last year’s Cheer Board campaign proved was an exceptional one for the organization, which received more than 250,000 calls by the middle of December, and ultimately helped 20,773 individuals and families.<\/p><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n
Last year’s Cheer Board campaign was an exceptional one. The organization received more than 250,000 calls by the middle of December, and was ultimately able to help 20,773 individuals and families.<\/p>\n
One significant change to the Cheer Board’s activities, executive director Shawna Bell said, is as the city’s cultural and socio-economic demographics change, so too does the organization’s ability to meet increased need. <\/p>\n
“A few years ago, we were still doing turkeys,” said Bell, who lives in St. James. “We’re not able to do that anymore because of cost, but also — if we’re going to be all-inclusive — not everyone wants a turkey or a chicken, so we offer gift cards instead, where we can.”<\/p>\n
The staple of this year’s operation is a broad selection of non-perishable, shelf-stable food items, which fill the many hampers that are assembled bye volunteer-driven production line in the Cheer Board’s warehouse space.<\/p>\n
Owing to the anticipated heavy demand for hampers this year, the organization is taking steps to ensure that everyone who applies receives a hamper.<\/p>\n
“There was a certain percentage of folks receiving hampers from different organizations across the city over the holidays, which prevents them from going to some of the other homes that need them, too,” Bell said, noting hamper recipients range from single people to families with lots of kids. “We had a family of 18 once.”<\/p>\n
“We can’t fault or begrudge people, and it isn’t about making people feel bad, but the hampers have to go as far as possible and we don’t want people going without.”<\/p>\n
Adding to the collective ensemble of helping hands that make operations at the Christmas Cheer Board run smoothly, Bell said, its bedrock team of volunteers is also assisted by other willing helpers, including “schoolkids in the morning and businesses in the afternoon.”<\/p>\n
“We’re so very proud of the fact that when we bring people in here to help, they become a convert and want to come back,” Bell said, noting her family regularly helped out with the Cheer Board when she was a child. “The ultimate hope is that everybody that needs us is able to reach out to us, and we’ll be able to support them and make a little magic happen.<\/p>\n Photo by Emma Honeybun<\/p>\n Shawna Bell, executive director of the Christmas Cheer Board, is pictured at the organization’s Century Street headquarters. Like last year, Bell anticipates a large demand for hampers this holiday season.<\/p><\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n “I always knew it was a special place, and we’re very lucky to have the dedicated people that come out year after year to help out,” she added.<\/p>\n Also new this year is an upcoming partnership with Tim Hortons that will see the launch of a holiday cookie, to be made available for a limited period.<\/p>\n Proceeds from sales of the cookie will go the Cheer Board and group orders will be possible.<\/p>\n “We’re all really excited about it,” Bell said.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t