Volunteers and committee members of the Rhineland Empty Stocking Fund (RESF) had a busy morning on Dec. 14, delivering 238 hampers to local families in need.
After experiencing a 26 per cent increase in hamper requests last year, the RESF saw a further eight per cent increase this year. About 792 people, including 401 children, were impacted by the hampers delivered in Altona, Gretna, Plum Coulee, and the Municipality of Rhineland.
Prior to loading the trucks, the organization was presented with a surprise gift of their own. Elmer’s Manufacturing made a $20,000 donation to the fund, the largest single donation to the campaign in its history.
Elmer’s president and CEO Mike Friesen said they were approached by Ray Loewen, who shared that the RESF needed support.
“We’re always thrilled to have the opportunity to support local initiatives, and this one has been a growing need in the community,” Friesen said. “After hearing there were some shortfalls, we felt compelled to step in and focus on this very important mission here.
“It’s important to give everyone the opportunity to experience that joy on Christmas, and all the warmth and love the season brings. And to be able to give and contribute to that feels good, too.”
RESF committee chair Ang Dueck said the needs continue to grow across the region.
“It was definitely higher than last year by about 20 families,” she shared. “We had a great number of volunteers show up for the delivery. Everybody did a really good job.”
Dueck adds that this is really a year-long effort.
“We start fundraising and planning in February already for the upcoming Christmas. The contribution from Elmer’s was a wonderful surprise. It really boosted our budget and we’re very grateful. We’re grateful for any contributions that we get. Thank you also to the community for donating. We could not do this without you.”
