Some changes in the world have changed the way Christmas Cheer operates. At one time, by the end of November, the organization would have its tins out in Boissevain stores to collect change to help pay for hampers. They have not done that for the last few years, as it seems people do not carry change, or any cash for that matter, much anymore. Dickinson said they used to do well each year through this, and he is sure it has hurt them and other groups collecting at Christmas.
“People don’t carry the change any more. Everything is debit card now. Three years ago, we only got about $100 in change. We used to get, when we first started, we were getting about $400 in change. With everything being cashless now, it hurts. I bet a lot of the non-profit organizations probably feel that.”
They have been doing raffle draws the last couple of years to make up for it, and they have done fairly well out of them. Donations do vary, but they get around $3,000 each year, which is good. Plus, they do get a lot of help with donations of gift items, be it through the churches or general public. Those are dropped off in the sleighs at Sunrise Credit Union or the Royal Bank. On the other hand, donations of food items have been going down, with the committee having to purchase more the last few years.
Each hamper is generous, be it for individuals or families. They include a card for a free turkey, tinned vegetables and fruit, cheese and crackers, coffee and tea, juice and dainties. There are also gifts for all members of the family. Getting men’s gifts used to be a challenge, but Dickinson said they have got the word out well for this, so it is no longer an issue.
“It is never a problem,” Dickinson said. “This community is so generous.”
The need is definitely out there. He said there was a call for 50 hampers this year, up five from the previous year and ten more from 2017. There are normally around 40 to 45. As for the reason they are up in 2019, Dickinson was not sure.
“I was in contact with other communities, and they are up too. It must be just the economy right now. Obviously the economy is affecting people in some way.”
They have been packing up the hampers and wrapping the gifts in the Parish Hall for the last several years. Dickinson said it is a good, central location with a lot of open space. The volunteers are well organized. Each person gets a list of what is needed for a hamper, and they proceed to go around and find the items, checking them off as they go. It is a good system, and they get a good response from the public. The school was helping out again, and Dickinson said they often get done within an hour. The hampers are either picked up or dropped off that evening as well.
Dickinson said he very much enjoys his involvement in the enterprise, being able to contribute to someone else’s Christmas season.
“I really find it satisfying to help others,” he explained. “It feels good to help those who need it. I know that’s why the community is so generous, because the community likes helping each other.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff