THUNDER BAY – Austin Madge said he had no idea that so many people in Thunder Bay were living in poverty.
His eyes opened wide to the issue this week, as the Kam River Fighting Walleye goaltender and his teammates made their way to the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition’s Heritage Building to volunteer their time for this year’s Christmas Cheer holiday handout.
“Obviously it’s a problem everywhere in the world and here in Thunder Bay, I know I didn’t realize it was that big of a problem until I came here to help out. If we can get as many guys here to help out, that’s what needs to be done,” said Madge, a native of Lake Country, B.C.
Joleene Kemp, the Christmas Cheer chair, said the need is bigger than ever this year. Kemp said she estimates they’ll be feeding about 8,000 people, and, with the help of Toys for Tots, have provided toys for about 3,800 children.
All told they’ve brought in about $250,000 in fundraising, which should cover the bill to buy all the food, including a frozen turkey for every hamper.
It’s a fantastic total, Kemp said.
“That makes us very happy because that looks after the bills. Our food bill last year was just over $200,000, plus last year we had to pay for things we don’t normally do, just because of COVID. We had to do things differently and pay for things,” Kemp said.
“The same is true this year. We have that $250,000 we know we are going to be pretty close to being able to pay our bills. We tell people there’s still time to donate, though.”
Unlike years past, where volunteers put each hamper together as the recipient waited, because of COVID concerns this year most of the hampers were put together ahead of time, streamlining the process for volunteers and clientele alike.
Volunteer Amanda Nistico has been helping out for years.
“I love being here,” she said. “I’ve done it every year, when I can. It’s great to see the people come together.
With COVID still raging in many parts of the country, including Thunder Bay, Nistico said it’s tough to see the demand for Christmas Cheer continue to grow.
But it’s reality, she said.
Having worked in the old system, Nistico said the pre-packaged hampers are a great way to operate.
“I’m really surprised at how well they’ve pivoted. You keep as much distance from people as you can, whereas in previous years they keep everyone together. It’s working really smoothly. I could see this actually taking off for years to come,” she said.
Hampers are being handed out to south-side residents on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with north-side residents getting their turn on Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Each hamper contains a week’s worth of groceries and gifts for families with children. Hampers for those without children, and seniors, are being handed out by the Regional Food Distribution Association.
