Thanks to the efforts of scores of volunteers, the 30th annual Community Christmas Hamper Campaign (CCHC) is coming to a close. We would like to extend our thanks to members of the organizing committee (many of whom have been here from the beginning), the people who picked up the non-perishable food donations from various points around the city, the people who sorted these donations and packed the boxes, and those who delivered them. Without you, we would never be able to help nearly 300 households in the Quebec City area who need a little extra to make their Christmas happier.

There was a slight increase in the number of hampers delivered, which proves this campaign is definitely fulfill- ing a need in the community. This year, we had just over 200 volunteers, who together gave an impressive 590 hours of their time to deliver Christmas goodness.

We could not do all that we do without the support of our corporate partners. This year’s partners included: Bo-Fruits, Canada Post, Construction Dynamo Inc, Emballages L.P. Aubut, IGA Marché Poulin and Nutri-Oeufs Ovale in Saint- Lambert-de-Lauzon. We are grateful for and amazed by your continuing generosity.

Thanks to everyone who donated canned food and other non-perishable items. Because of you, hampers were filled to overflowing. Thanks also to those who donated money. Because of you, we were able to provide each family with a turkey, other meats, eggs, milk, bread and fresh produce, so each recipient was guaranteed a delicious Christmas dinner.

There were many fundraising events again this year, and we thank the organizations that hosted them. Many English churches and schools in the area collected non-perishable items, and in addition, Ste-Foy Elementary held an in-school bake sale; St. Patrick’s High School had a special donation drive; Quebec High School had a Gold Rush Challenge; Everest Elementary School had a Helping Hands Christmas Tree; Holland Elementary School did a Husky Leaders Dare; and CEGEP Champlain-St. Lawrence organized a basketball game to raise money for the cause. The Holiday Happy Hour, hosted and organized by VEQ and the Morrin Centre, was a great success. The R.I.S.E. program prepared and sold cookie mix jars. JH Partners, in close collaboration with Saint Brigid’s, organized several sales at the Home – spring plants and herbs, spaghetti sauce, as well as harvest, garage and Christmas sales – all of which raised money for the CCHC. VEQ’s Oh Deer! Holiday Dares Challenge was a great success, and let’s not forget Philip Goyer, who ran a half-marathon while dressed in a Grinch suit!

If you check the thermometer on our website (qchampers.ca), you will find that we are still a little short of our fundraising objective for this year. We had set our goal at $50,000, and presently we are at $36,748. You can still donate either online or by dropping off or mailing a cheque to the Community Christmas Hamper Campaign, c/o Jeffery Hale Community Partners, 2000-1270, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 2M4.

While there were many busy days during the CCHC, the busiest one was definitely D-Day (delivery day) when, in addition to our great individual volunteers, we had Canada Post employees who donated their time to help load and deliver hampers. As usual, Santa was present, handing out decorations to drivers.

Again, a huge thank you to every single person who helped us, in whatever capacity. We look forward to working with you again next year, for the need will still be there.