Empty Stocking Fund kick off coming up

Nov 15, 2018 | 2:25 PM

The Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund campaign will soon be starting again for the holiday season to help families in need.

“People can drop off their donations. We’re more making people aware that it’s happening,” said Erin Katerynych, executive director of the Empty Stocking Fund and the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre.

Katerynych said this is also the biggest fundraiser for the organization for the year.

People who wish to show their support for the campaign can make a donation – with money, a food item, or a new toy to the centre.

Donations will be used to fill the Christmas Hampers that will be handed out at the local food bank on Dec. 23 to families signed up for the program. 

Last year a total of 468 hampers and almost 800 toys were handed out. More hampers were given out last year than in the past 12 years.

The hamper project serves people in the Battlefords and surrounding communities. Families wishing to receive a hamper must apply in advance.

“I expect we are going to be just as busy this year if not more,” she said of the need. She said more people have become aware of the campaign recently.

The Empty Stocking Fund kicks off with a beef-on-a-bun luncheon and will take place Nov. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Third Avenue United Church hall in North Battleford.

The beef for the luncheon is being donated by local business B&D Meats. People are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to the event.

New toy donations will be collected by the WPD Ambulance services as well at the kick off.

The Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre is also looking for more volunteers to help with the hamper project. 

Residents can also make a donation to the cause wherever they see the Big Red Boot collection bins throughout the community until Dec. 22. 

 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW