A long-running holiday tradition is returning to the Ashern and Moosehorn area after a one-year pause — and organizers say it’s needed more than ever.
The community’s Christmas hamper program, now operating under the name Santa’s Little Helpers, is back thanks to a dedicated team of local volunteers and the support of the RM of Grahamdale.
“In the past we’ve prepared around 50 hampers, but with the economy the way it is, we’re expecting 80 to 100 families this year,” said Sharona Foster, director of Santa’s Little Helpers. “The need in our community has grown, and we didn’t want to see this program disappear.”
When Foster learned last winter that no one had stepped forward to coordinate the former Christmas Cheer Board, she reached out to Craig Koch, who contacted the RM of Grahamdale for support. From that meeting, a volunteer group was formed that included the Community Development Corporation (CDC), with members Sandy Smith, Charlotte Lindell, and Greg Jabesh.
Jacqueline Kiesman, an RM of Grahamdale employee, also helped guide the restart by sharing a detailed timeline and instructions based on her previous work with the women’s centre.
“This really has been a community effort from day one,” Foster said. “Everyone came together to make sure families won’t go without this Christmas.”
The renamed Santa’s Little Helpers program will run for two full months, with donation boxes placed in businesses across Ashern and Moosehorn starting Oct. 15. Applications for hampers opened the same day and can now be completed in person at the RM of Grahamdale office or Moosehorn Co-op, or online through the group’s Facebook page.
Foster said they’ve also partnered with Alf Cuthbert School and Ashern Early Years School, whose principals will arrange to collect donations at their Christmas concerts.
All local businesses have the opportunity to host a brightly decorated donation box, and residents are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food, toys, and clothing for infants through teenagers.
“We’re in need of toys, boys’ and girls’ clothing, and all types of non-perishable food — things like Kraft Dinner, soups, and canned goods,” Foster said. “We’ll take anything we can get.”
Monetary donations can be made by e-transfer to:
santaslittlehelpersboard@hotmail.com
Donations are being stored at a central facility in Moosehorn, where volunteers will later organize the hampers.
Hampers will be distributed on Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at several pickup locations, with delivery available if needed.
Foster said a public volunteer call will go out closer to the date for anyone able to help with packing and distribution.
“This is about neighbours helping neighbours,” she said. “It takes a community to make Christmas brighter for everyone, and I know ours will step up.”
For more information, contact:
Sharona Foster, director – 1-204-302-1301.
