As families prepare for the holidays — decorating trees, wrapping gifts and baking favourite treats — many community groups are reminding Manitobans that Christmas is also a time to share with neighbours who may be struggling.
While children look forward to Santa’s visit, food banks, hamper programs and shelters across the region are seeing increased need this winter. More families than ever are reaching out for help with groceries, winter clothing and basic necessities.
In a light-hearted message circulating nationally, Santa Claus himself is calling on Canadians to rethink holiday giving and “start a new tradition.” Instead of leaving out milk and cookies this year, he suggests passing a meal along to someone who needs it more.
“You know the milk and cookies you leave out for me? They’re delicious, but I’ve had far more than my fair share,” Santa’s letter says. “There are people struggling to put food on the table. This year I ask that you please skip my meal and pass one on to a family who needs it instead.”
Food insecurity continues to rise in Canada, with many households choosing between bills, fuel and fresh groceries. Community hamper programs, crisis support agencies and grassroots volunteers have stepped up once again to help fill the gap — but donations are what make it possible.
Even small contributions can make a meaningful difference, whether it’s a monetary gift, non-perishable food item, warm clothing or a cheque supporting a local charity. Volunteers say the ripple effect is real: one donation, one meal, one helping hand can change someone’s holiday.
How to give this season
Residents who wish to donate can support a variety of organizations working directly with families in the Interlake:
To donate locally:
Residents wishing to help support holiday food programs, seniors initiatives, and community outreach can donate at the following Interlake locations:
Gimli
• Sobeys Inc. – Store #5176
94 7 Ave., Gimli, MB R0C 1B0
Donor partner
Teulon
• Teulon & District Seniors Resource Council Inc.
54 Main St., Teulon, MB R0C 3B0
Non-profit/Community agency
Portage la Prairie (serving Manitoba region)
• Jeffries Bros. Vegetable Growers
29140 Hwy 1 West, PO Box 668, Portage la Prairie, MB R0H 1N1
Donor partner
Garson
• Perfect Pierogies Ltd.
Garson, MB R0E 0R0
Donor partner
Selkirk
• Lord Selkirk Regional High School
221 Mercy St., Selkirk, MB R1A 2C8
Non-profit | Lord Selkirk School Division
• Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen Inc.
368 Jemima St., Selkirk, MB R1A 2B1
Non-profit – food outreach
• KFC – Selkirk Location #1622
321 Main St., Selkirk, MB R1A 1T2
Donor partner
West St. Paul
• Gateway East Community Church
763 Kapelus Dr., West St. Paul, MB R4A 5A4
Non-profit/faith community
• Carman Wellness Connections Inc.
105 Main St N, Carman, MB R0G 0J0
Non-profit community support organization
• Second Harvest – Dufferin Market Gardens (Donor Program)
33123 Rd 28 W, Carman, MB R0G 0J0
Food donor partner supporting redistribution in the region
Graysville
• Second Harvest – Owen Potato Co. Ltd. (Donor Program)
34004 Road 31 W, Graysville, MB R0G 0T0
Donor organization aiding food rescue and distribution
