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From left: Clayton Campbell, Wayne Lambie, Don Christopher, Terry Mitchell, Don Dament of Associated Canadian Travelers gather at Battlefords Interval House to present staff: Dannette Quinn, Clarissa Stoffelsen, Nevenka Vas, Muriel Mocassin and Debbie Kovalsky with a cheque for $1,000. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)
BIH Hampers

BIH kicks off hamper campaign with ACT donation

Nov 22, 2023 | 3:51 PM

With the wish list completed and donations starting to roll in, the kickoff to the Battlefords Interval House Hamper Drive has begun.

“I am concerned about being able to fill our hampers,” said Debbie Kovalsky, executive director.

During the pandemic, the house was filled with donations but now that people are starting to move past it, so too have the donations.

“I’m not sure why that I’ve noticed a difference with our donations for this time of year in comparison. Maybe everybody’s stretched so thin, so you can only pick so many places.”

The kickoff officially began today with a cheque presentation from Associated Canadian Travelers (ACT) for $1,000.

“We started our contact list with our clients, and we find out the family make up if that’s changed,” she said noting that sometimes relatives move in.

“We’ll include the whole family unit and find out sizes and then from our donations that we get, trying to fill the hampers the best we can,” she said.

“Things where we’re missing, I’ll use some of the generous donations that we’ve received with today’s [offering] to balance out the basket.”

The wish list includes items of all kinds such as Christmas stocking stuffers with a self-care focus like: manicure and pedicure supplies such as nail files or polish, clippers, bathing supplies including shampoo, conditioner, brushes, bodywash, lip balm also top the list. Phone chargers, home wear like pajamas, clothing, running shoes and winter wear are also requested.

“We’re looking for usually an outfit per each family member and toys for the kids – age-appropriate toys – or electronics for older youth and something special for mom as well.”

Gift cards from Walmart, prepaid VISA, Giant Tiger, grocery stores are welcome as are homewares like kitchen, bathroom and bedroom items.

Kovalsky said that offerings to help support day-to-day are welcome and they will often include non-perishables and baby supplies.

“We get quite a bit of diaper donations,” she said.

As they prepare for the upcoming Christmas season, Kovalsky said they are grateful for the community’s support of the house and the clients.

“That’s who really benefits from it.”

Deliveries are welcome between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To see the complete wish list, visit Battlefords Interval House on Facebook.

julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @jls194864