Hamper groups unite
Six West Prince groups and Salvation Army providing co- ordinated approach to giving
A West Prince Christmas Hampers Group ( WPCHG) has been formed to provide for a more co- ordinated distribution of Christmas hampers this season.
Representatives of six West Prince groups and the Summerside Salvation Army, that distribute hampers, got together to explain their objectives, cut out duplication and, more importantly, insure everyone who needs a hamper is provided for. “The main thing is we don’t want anybody missed Up West, said the group’s spokeswoman, Corina Bolo.
Individual organizations will still fill and distribute hampers, with each organization concentrating on a specific area ( see distribution groups and contact list below).
“We want to make sure we’re bringing credibility to the community in how we’re working together and how we want to honour those who are in need with respect,” said Pastor Betty Zita, an Elmsdale Church of the Nazarene representative on WPCHG.
All of the representatives had memories of how their organizations have helped people in need.
Almeda Thibodeau recalled getting a call from a hospital staff member one Christmas season and learning about a terminally ill individual who was concerned he wouldn’t be able to provide gifts for his family that year. Thibodeau was pleased the Bloomfield and Area Christmas Hampers program, which she co- ordinates, was able to put the man at ease and provide for his family.
Greta Owens with the Salvation Army recalled volunteers being in their car after closing up on Christmas Eve, and going back in to retrieve toys for a parent who knocked on the car window explaining she did not have gifts for her children.
“In reality, part of what we’re doing here is trying to avoid that stress for a family and say, ‘ Look, there is help available: Here’s where you can get that help,’ so they know in advance,” Bolo explained.
Austin Bernard is West Prince co- ordinator for the CBC Christmas Turkey Drive which supplies turkeys for most of the hampers in the area. Turkeys can be dropped off in West Prince between Dec. 4 and 15 at Tignish Co- op, O’Leary Co- op, Bray’s Independent and Bloomfield Foodland.
“It’s great to know families that need it will have turkey and fixings on their table at Christmas. And it sure makes my Christmas special to know I can help make this happen,” said Bernard.
Emma Jackshaw, who recently joined the Summerside Salvation Army after studying poverty and community development in university, said it has been an eye- opener to her to see the level of need in her community.
“No one would put themselves in that situation and yet they find themselves there,” said Pastor Zita. “It’s sad, really. “What we’re trying to do is facilitate for people and I think it’s been great for all of us in the meetings that we’ve had, is we get to know what each other is doing. We’ve been able to communicate with each other,” said Zita.
She added there is a desire to add to the hampers and do a bit more to help families over Christmas.
“It’s like we’re getting the best from everybody and so it should be a really good Christmas for those who are needing help.”