Men of the North is partnering with several organizations. (Photo 130046707 © Mrtwister - Dreamstime.com)
holidays

Partnership in tri-communities organizing Christmas hamper giveaway

Nov 29, 2022 | 2:43 PM

In an effort to relieve some of the stress that comes with the Christmas season, a number of organizations in the tri-communities are teaming up to provide hampers.

Men of the North have partnered with Adopt a Family/Elder, as well as Keethanow Group of Business, Lake County Co-op and the Breakfast Club of Canada to put together at least 110 hampers. The hampers will include a turkey or ham, along with sides for a traditional Christmas meal.

Hampers will be distributed at special events on Dec. 17 and 18 at La Ronge’s Churchill Community High School between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

“We will have Santa and elves come in. We have a sleigh being built, we have our photographer already booked,” Men of the North founder Christopher Merasty said. “There will be hot chocolate, candy bags and hopefully we will have a sound system hooked up. That way we can provide Christmas carols throughout the day, just to keep the families entertained as they are going through.”

At least an additional 33 families will also receive a hamper through the Adopt a Family/Elder initiative. Twenty of those families have been sponsored through the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s Prevention and Recovery program.

Adopt a Family/Elder organizer Veronica Merasty, who is Christopher Merasty’s mother, explained residents or businesses still have time to adopt as she has 70 families on the list.

Hampers will be distributed Dec. 17 and 18. (Submitted photo/Men of the North)

“That person will be responsible for getting the hamper for that person with a small turkey or ham,” she said. “Depending on how many kids are in the family, I’ll recommend they don’t purchase a gift more than $20. It is up to them. The gifts and stockings are optional this year because of the price of groceries that went up.”

Those who would like to adopt a family or Elder have until Dec. 1 and should contact Veronica Merasty at 1-306-420-7664.

Kikinahk Friendship Centre is running a separate hamper program and will distribute 300 hampers to community members. Those receiving a hamper through another source should not apply at Kikinahk.

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno

View Comments