‘The necessity continues to be fairly nice’: Saskatoon Meals Financial institution holds Christmas Hamper Day – Saskatoon

By Gwen Christensen Last updated Jul 7, 2021

While Santa’s elves are busy creating the Christmas cheer, Saskatoon’s own helpers are doing the same.

Over 500 volunteers worked in shifts throughout the week to prepare for the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Center’s annual Christmas Basket Day.

“Last year we saw a little over 3,000 people and it was pretty stable this morning. There are so many volunteer hours in a day like today that we have lots of happy people, “said Laurie O’Connor, Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Center executive director.

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Hundreds of people line up, some overnight, for the first day of the Salvation Army’s Christmas basket distribution

O’Connor said these baskets are made specifically for single people in the community who are struggling to bring food to the table – a special addition to what’s available year round.

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“We see about 20,000 people every month because of a normal handcuff. I would say that the need in this city is still very high, with around 45 percent of requests being directed to children, ”said O’Connor.

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TLC @ Home Christmas Charity delivers gifts to children in Saskatoon

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There were also many children who volunteered and learned the true spirit of Christmas to help children like them.

The Saskatoon and District Kinette Club also donated winter clothing.

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“We started an initiative to fill the laundry baskets, but a few years ago we realized that people weren’t dressed warm enough,” said Candace Kimpton, a volunteer. “We started collecting these all year round and now you can actually get a pair of gloves.”

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Meanwhile, the people who received the baskets expressed their gratitude.

“I am very blessed to be given a basket and to share it with the people I love. The volunteers worked hard, ”said recipient Carolyn Thode.

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“I just want to thank the volunteers for their hard work,” said Maxym Legkostup, another recipient of gift baskets.

“The food was amazing.”

Even after the Christmas basket campaign ends on Saturday, no fundraising will take place. They hope to raise 500,000 pounds of groceries and $ 500,000 by December 31st.