Submitted By Verity Jordan

As a relative newcomer to Quebec, moving here from the U.K. a few years ago, I have been searching for my place in the local community. In just a few short months since I became project co-ordinator at the South Shore English Network (SSEN) in May this year, I have enjoyed getting to know others in the English-speaking community, on the South Shore and on the North Shore too.

The SSEN exists to serve and promote the well-being of the English-speaking community in the greater Lévis area. Through our activities, I have had the pleasure of meeting members for kids’ crafts, chatty seniors’ social meetups, competitive games nights and leisurely walks.

What a friendly and welcoming community it is! I can see exactly why the Community Christmas Hamper Campaign (CCHC) has been so successful for the last 26 years due to everyone’s kindness and the desire to help others. The SSEN is proud to be a partner in the campaign again this year.

For me, Christmas has always been a period to enjoy precious time together with loved ones. With the struggles that the pandemic has made people face, the Hamper Campaign is a brilliant way to spread some Christmas cheer and make a difference in the lives of some 200 families in need in our community. If you would like to get involved in the effort this year, there are several ways to do so. Unfortunately, due to public health measures, the campaign is a little different from previous years.

You can volunteer as a delivery driver to drop off hampers [boxes of groceries] at homes on Saturday, Dec.18. Delivery teams must be made up of a driver and helper from the same household, and both members of a delivery team must have proof of vaccination.

Once again this year, the CCHC cannot accept food donations. Instead, your monetary donations are greatly needed to purchase all the food for the hampers: fruit, vegetables, meat and non-perishables. You can find all the information about how you can help deliver some goodness to homes in need on the campaign website: qchampers.ca.

I extend an enormous thank-you for your kindness, for taking the time to find out about the CCHC and for your involvement through any means you can offer. Please help the community to come together and share in the true spirit of Christmas at this magical time of year.