MEDIA Release – For immediate release
November 8, 2019
Christmas Spirit Campaign gearing up for another busy holiday
Christmas is known as “the most wonderful time of the year.” And for many of us, it is a truly magical season. However, the holidays can also be a difficult time, creating an opportunity for community to come together and provide support.
“At the Bow Valley Christmas Sprit Campaign, we believe Christmas is a time for dignity, compassion, and caring for community,” explains Hannah deSoto, board chair. “We invite you to join us in supplying hampers of grocery cards and toys to those living in Canmore, the MD of BIghorn, and Morley who could use a bit of holiday support.”
Research and media stories have indicated that the best way to support food security is to donate cash instead of food. According to deSoto, “the campaign switched to gift cards last year and found it was more fitting with proper food security and is also more efficient and effective.”
Collecting, sorting, and managing food donations is a significant volunteer workload each holiday season. Regrettably, hundreds of pounds of spoiled food is donated and has to be thrown out. Food that is usable then has to be sorted and stored, which also requires significant volunteer effort and space, something that comes at a premium in the Bow Valley. “Since food banks are already equipped with that storage we will still have the Royal LePage food drive on December 5,” says deSoto, “and the food will be donated to the Canmore and Morley food banks.”
If you or someone you know are facing financial struggles at this time of year, please apply for a hamper. The application deadline is December 6. All information will remain confidential. Applications can be picked up at the FCSS Resource Centre, Victory Thrift store, and local schools, by visiting the campaign website www.christmasspiritcampaign.com or calling 403.609.3536.
Cash donations are also welcome and encouraged. Monies are used to purchase grocery cards and toys that are not received as donations. Any surplus after the campaign is donated to local groups working to ensure food security all year long. Donations can be made online with Canada Helps. Online donations are safe and secure and a CRA receipt is issued. To donate go to: www.christmasspiritcampaign.com
The Christmas Spirit Campaign is a proud partner of the Bow Valley Elves who partner with high school students and the community to connect with seniors at Christmas time. Gift tags will be up at businesses in the community starting November 12. Find a gift tag with a senior’s Christmas wish and you can help make that wish come true.
Looking for a way to bring the true spirit of the season to your staff holiday party or your family? Want to make sure Christmas is bright in Canmore, Exshaw, and Morley? deSoto encourages you to consider raising funds for the Christmas Spirit campaign at your staff event or to volunteer as a family on December 5 for the Royal LePage Food Drive. Volunteer sign up is available through the campaign’s Facebook page.
-30-
Contacts:
Hannah deSoto, Chair
Bow Valley Christmas Spirit Campaign
bowvalleychristmasinfo@gmail.com
403.493.4614
www.christmasspiritcampaign.com