Cheer Board cross-referencing hamper lists to address growing demand in Winnipeg

They’re making a list and checking it twice. The Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg will soon start to receive applications for its seasonal hampers, and officials say this year, they’re working with other organizations to ensure families aren’t getting double or triple hampers from various support networks. 

“Our goal is to really make sure that everyone who needs a hamper is able to receive support through us,” said Shawna Bell, Cheer Board executive director Monday. 

Applications for hampers open Nov. 5 and Bell explained the decision was made in the organization’s 105th year to ensure growing demand is being met across the board. 

“What we really have made an effort to do this year is to work with some organizations in the city, that if hampers have been applied for through other outlets that we are taking them off our list,” she said. 

“They’re still getting supported,” stressed Bell. “It’s just making sure, in particular, if you look at last year some people went away without anything, and that’s a terrible way to enter into the holiday season so we want to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Bell says the first few days of the drive are always busy as families reach out for support, noting the Cheer Board is looking for contributions from the public in the form of cash donations, toys, and food as in 2023, 20,500 hampers were distributed. 

“We’re expecting that number to climb upwards towards 21,000 this year,” said Bell.

While demand is high, said Bell, she expects the people of Winnipeg to show up in a big way in 2024 to ensure people across the city who might be struggling can get the help they need, saying without government funding, it is “a 100 per cent a community effort.”

“The old adage is it takes a village, and it certainly does in this case, and Winnipeggers have always rallied to support us year-over-year,” she said. 

More information on the Christmas Cheer Board and how to apply or contribute can be found on the organization’s website.