The Morden Christmas Cheer Board packed and distributed 321 hampers last week.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, Morden Cheer was able to help families in need put food on the table and presents under the tree this Christmas
It was down from 384 hampers in 2024—an unfortunate result of the non-profit having to scale things back after being in a deficit from the year before when they had more need but less funds to support the effort.
“The numbers are a little down because donations were down last year and this year,” said board member Durwin Buchy, who was involved with the application process.
“We’ve included an income scale this year, which affected some of the people who were applying,” he explained. “So everything was down … everything this year is 25 per cent less across the board.”
Despite that reality, it was still encouraging to see the support they were able to get from the community.
“We’ve had a lot of food donations this year, more than normal, and a lot of toy donations compared to last year,” Buchy shared.
“I think the public has really stepped up with donations this year since it was published that we were in some financial difficulties,” said Dianne Mestdagh, a board member who was also involved in the application process. “That’s wonderful to see. We are so thankful.”
A number of years ago, the cheer board switched to gift cards for some food items, but they do still collect non-perishables and divide them among the hampers. They also collect new unwrapped toys and books.
Otherwise, the hampers include gift cards from local businesses like Gardenland Co-op, Giant Tiger, and Pharmasave.
“The ones who applied will be getting a good hamper of food and toys, and most children will be receiving a gift bag of school supplies and art supplies as well as a toy,” said Buchy, who noted they also had some extra toys set aside that recipients could come in and pick up.
Buchy said it is always encouraging to see the support from the community, including the army of volunteers who show up to help out each year. That group again included about a dozen members of the Morden Thunder hockey team, who volunteered their time on delivery day last Wednesday.
Buchy added it is also heartening to see and hear the appreciation from the recipients.
“There’s a lot of people who are recent newcomers to Morden … and they’re just needing help with the high cost of everything.”
“And they are so very grateful when we say that their application was approved. They really are thankful for what we do, and that is what keeps us coming back to do this year after year,” said Mestdagh.
Although the hampers have been delivered, people can continue to donate to support the effort.
“We pay a lot of our bills after Christmas,” Buchy said.
You can donate online at mordenchristmascheer.com.
