Christmas Cheer Board suspending applications for hampers
Posted December 20, 2023 5:36 pm.
Last Updated December 20, 2023 5:37 pm.
Winnipeg’s Christmas Cheer Board says due to the record number of hamper applications, they will be suspending applications for the remainder of the season.
The Christmas Cheer Board said it has been overwhelmed by the applications, nothing call centres closed at the end of the day Wednesday, which was four days earlier than when they were supposed to close.
“Late Wednesday afternoon, we had reached 20,250 hamper applications, which is almost a 2,000 increase over last year,” said Christmas Cheer Board Executive Director Shawna Bell in a statement.
“It’s absolutely devastating that there are so many families across the city in such need this season.”
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The Cheer Board says they opened applications earlier than normal this year, due to the increased cost of living.
“Earlier in December we placed additional orders for food in the hopes it would be enough to get us through the season. It’s finally come to a point where our budget just cannot bear the demand we are seeing,” said Jim Ketcheson, board chairperson.
The Cheer Board says its warehouse will remain open through Dec. 24.
