The Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association is one of many agencies stepping up to the plate to ensure local families have food on theirs this holiday season.
Today, CNHA volunteers are distributing hampers to residents in Chemainus, Saltair and as far as Thetis Island. Inside, those hampers include fresh food, vegetables, toys and clothing and even a Christmas turkey or ham.
“This last week we were really inundated with families requesting help,” said CNHA program co-ordinator Renee Stieda. “The need is out there, and we’re just one more social agency working with others in the neighbourhood.”
Many of the requests came from families who were unable to meet the deadline at the Harvest House Food Bank, which works with the CNHA.
“They are low-income families, they work part-time or full-time at minimum wage jobs,” Stieda said. “Christmas time is a really tough time for them to make ends meet. It’s everything they can do month to month to make the rent and buy groceries; there’s no room for anything extra.
“They’re not necessarily buying fresh fruits and vegetables; they’re buying what’s on sale, tinned goods, and some of these kids probably haven’t seen an orange in quite a while.”
Other requests have included one family that was struck by a tragic car accident.
“At one point they thought they would be able to do Christmas, so they didn’t bother registering but now because of being in accidents, they’ve got injuries and all of a sudden it’s a tight time of year for them,” Stieda explained.
Since asking for help from the community last week, the Neighbourhood House, which is located on Willow Street in Chemainus, has received help from a number of Santa’s little helpers. One resident brought in a bunch of toys donated at a private party, and resident John Sherry rounded up turkeys and hams from local organizations and businesses.
“The community is jumping in,” Stieda said.
However, the donations need not stop at Christmas. The organization is always looking for assistance and volunteers to help provide its ongoing soup program and community cooking classes.
“There’s always food coming out of here for people in need,” Stieda said.
To find out how you can help, call 250-246-3203 or e-mail cnhaoffice@shaw.ca
