Erin Haluschak
Record staff
It is under a new organization, but the Christmas Hamper Program isn’t going anywhere.
Co-ordinator Annette Bowden said due to the acquisition of Coast Realty Group by Royal LePage in the Comox Valley, the real estate company will now be taking over the Sharing the Christmas Spirit Hamper Program.
“(Our goal) this year is 600 hampers; last year we had 523,” she explained, and added she believes participation was down last year due to a lot of other fundraising campaigns happening at the same time.
The hampers – which come with the complete food for a Christmas dinner and gifts for kids – are distributed throughout the Valley by volunteers for individuals or a family.
Registration will begin Nov. 2 through the Hamper Hotline – 250-334-4913 – for anyone to register to receive a hamper, and on Nov. 15 for sponsors to call in and ‘adopt’ a family.
The process is completely anonymous, and those registering need to know what size is the family, a description (how many children) and an address to deliver the hamper.
There is an extensive list which includes perishable and non-perishable items, and encourages individuals, companies and schools to sponsor hampers or aid with distribution in December.
“Individuals, offices, the airport, the military – they come on board,” noted Bowden. “Schools take a good portion of the families too.”
Now entering its 27th year, the hamper program is still working on space for distribution (which will take place Dec. 22) but is also seeking volunteer drivers to distribute the hampers around the Valley.
Sponsors can drop off their hampers at the Royal LePage office at 121-750 Comox Rd., or at the distribution warehouse once the location is finalized.
Bowden added there will soon be a new web page created with a PayPal option for people to submit cash donations.
For more information, contact Bowden at 250-334-3124.
