Community spirit is strong in Beaverlodge, but around the Christmas season it takes on an even brighter glow as the Christmas Hampers project gets underway.
Food Security is having access to sufficient and nutritious food and your Community Foundation is committed to increasing food security in our region.
Funded in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta, West County Community Fund and the Campbell Family Foundation, the Beaverlodge Christmas Hampers project ensures that those in need have everything to make their holiday season merry and bright.
“The project provides goods and gifts for persons in need and helps them realize they are valued and important members of our community,” says Faye Dyrkach, a member of the board of directors. “It also helps other be aware of the needs and how they can help. It really fosters a total spirit of community by showing everyone they need each other, and each has something they can give and receive.”
Working with the Beaverlodge Fire Department and a local church youth group, the project includes a food drive, while local stores and businesses also collect and provide their own donations for the hampers. Volunteers pick and wrap gifts for each hamper.
In 2018, some 211 people had a better Christmas thanks to the community spirit and drive in Beaverlodge.
For one grandmother raising her grandchildren, the hamper project made a huge difference, as her finances are limited. She noted the kids were better able to feel like they “fit in,” thanks to the gifts they received.
Another woman, who with her children had escaped a violent relationship with just the clothes on their backs, was able to have a tree with decorations and a full Christmas dinner, bringing some normality to their lives.
Another man who experienced poverty as a child, now makes a point of his family adopting another each year and providing gifts. The family says this is the best part of their Christmas.
“This project builds community spirit and benefits people in many ways we may never know,” says Dyrkach.
You can make a difference in our community – not only for today but forever. When you make a donation to the Community Impact Fund, we invest that gift into a permanent endowment fund and the original gift is never spent. Earnings from your gift are distributed in our community to support all needs in the community. Donations can be made online here –https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/38163 or by calling the Community Foundation at (780) 538-2820.
