By battlefordsNOW

Increased numbers for Empty Stocking Fund this year

Dec 11, 2017 | 3:00 PM

For a second straight year, the number for Christmas food hampers needed for the Empty Stocking Fund has increased according to the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre (BDFC).

Individuals had until Dec. 8 to register for the hamper, which included non-perishable food items, vegetables and a Christmas turkey. At last count, BDFC executive director Erin Katerynych said the numbers were higher than last season.

“We have almost 450 applicants for Christmas hampers this year in our area,” Katerynych said. “In my 12-years of working with the Empty Stocking Fund Christmas Campaign, this year is the highest number of families registered to receive help.”

Katerynych said the organization is still waiting on last-minute logistics, meaning the number could be slightly higher.

The Empty Stocking Fund Christmas Campaign delivered just over 400 Christmas hampers last year. The campaign also handed out 640 toys to children, along with over 400 winter coats and accessories with the Coats for Kids campaign, totalling over 1,500 people, including 700 children.

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Katerynych noted residents can still contribute non-perishable food items, toys and winter clothing to the fund. Any monetary donations made to food banks throughout the province this year will be matched by PotashCorp up to $500,000.

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @RJWtheReporter