The distribution of the Empty Stocking Fund Hampers will begin on Dec. 23, with an additional distribution date on Dec. 24 this year. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

By Kenneth Cheung

Helping hand

Big red sleigh brings holiday spirit to kick off Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund

Nov 16, 2024 | 11:00 AM

A big red sleigh landed in front of the Battlefords food bank on Friday, marking the beginning of this year’s Empty Stocking Fund.

The Battleford District Food and Resource Centre (BDFRC) is committed to spreading warmth and joy during the holiday season by giving out Christmas hampers to families in need and offering toys to the kids, ensuring everyone can experience the holiday spirit.

According to Food Bank Canada, over 2 million people visited food banks nationwide in March 2024, marking the highest number of users in history.

“People are on fixed incomes with pensions, social services, and disability, so when the rents go up, their paychecks don’t really reflect,” noted BDFRC executive director Erin Katerynych.

As the use of food banks continues to rise, Katerynych anticipates a bustling Christmas season ahead. Despite the long hours that await them, she and her team are driven by a powerful motivation of “seeing the happy faces through what we serve”.

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“It’s just knowing you can help the community,” said Blake Feist, BDFRC manager.

“Something that seems to be lacking in this day and age is communities actually being a community, and it’s something that I haven’t really witnessed over the past few years. So it’s good to just be a part of that change.”

Last year, they distributed about 400 Christmas hampers that benefited around 1,200 community members. This time, no matter how busy things get, warehouse supervisor Kurtis Kopp is confident that the team is prepared to spread warmth to those facing the cold.

Frontend worker Kristen Murtaugh believes people should care because food insecurity is something anyone could face when life stumbles. She thinks it is a social responsibility to support the less fortunate.

“It could be your mom, your sister or your family. It could be anybody,” she noted. “If everybody comes together, then we can see the results.”

Looking ahead, they believe the community’s ongoing generosity will ensure the food bank sees a fruitful festive season.

“I have faith that the community will once again stand up and help us out and make this Christmas successful for everybody,” said Katerynych.

The magic of the food bank goes beyond the hampers as they also organize a lineup of festive events to warm the community during this holiday season. These events include the Ambulance Toy Drive, the North Star Teddy Bear Toss, and the Loraas Food Drive, among others.

Anyone interested in learning more about it can contact BDFRC at 306-937-5505 or email info@bdfrc.ca

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com