Mayor Kelli Hawtin (left) volunteering at the Battleford District Food and Resource Centre during Christmas hamper distribution. (AlyssaRudolph/battlefordsNOW)

By Alyssa Rudolph

hamper distribution

Battlefords food bank brings joy to families this holiday season

Dec 22, 2025 | 4:50 PM

“It’s a bit harder on me around Christmas time,” Anna said after receiving her Christmas hamper, filled with food and holiday essentials from Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre.

She introduced herself as a mother of five who is currently unable to maintain a job, a situation she described as especially difficult during the holiday season.

“If I work, all my money would go to daycare fees and not only that, I actually have been trying to look for jobs, but I’ve been looking for two years, and I haven’t even got a call back,” said Anna.

Although she doesn’t regularly rely on the food bank, she wasn’t afraid to reach out when she needed support most.

“This actually helps me a lot. It helps me with turkey, pretty much the whole meal. I only have to go buy salads and desserts,” she added.

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Anna isn’t alone in her struggle this holiday season. Hundreds of people lined up at the food bank on Monday morning to collect their Christmas hampers and toys for their children.

Outside, the cold air lingered; people stayed bundled in heavy coats and gloves to shield themselves from the freezing temperatures. Inside the center, the atmosphere was different, buzzing with warmth and activity as volunteers moved quickly from station to station, preparing hampers and organizing food for families.

Volunteers busy during Christmas hamper distribution. (AlyssaRudolph/battlefordsNOW)

One volunteer, Dexter Mercer, barely slowed as he moved in and out of the building, carrying box after box of turkeys and potatoes. Though clearly exhausted, a warm smile stayed fixed on his face.

“Today has been a wild experience.”

“It feels awesome just getting to spread the Christmas cheer. You don’t get the opportunity to say Merry Christmas to this many people every day,” he said.

Mercer said the day stood out as something truly special, shaped by the patience of the community and the volunteers working side by side.

Each holiday season, the Battlefords food bank welcomes more families to its Christmas hamper program, showing both the need for support and the generosity of the community.

Anyone who did not register beforehand for a Christmas hamper but is in need, is encouraged to visit the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre on Dec. 23

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alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com