Christmas hamper at Christmas Amalgamated in the Fortune Shopping Centre (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

COVID-19 making clients more reluctant to reach out for help as holiday season nears: Christmas Amalgamated

Dec 16, 2020 | 3:34 PM

KAMLOOPS — Sally Whitson is sorting through the latest hamper donation received Wednesday morning (Dec. 16), allowing 72 more families to have a proper Christmas dinner.

“We had CN bring a huge amount of hampers in this morning, so we will have a line-up this afternoon of people coming,” said Whitson.

While Christmas Amalgamated is receiving donations from the community, COVID-19 has the number of interested clients down.

“We’ve had years where we’ve had up to 2,000. This year, I think it’s going to be less than that. There are families who are afraid to come out to get some help because of COVID,” she said.

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However, Whitson is assuring people they are following safety protocols — cleaning, fewer volunteers and limiting people in the building.

Salvation Army is also gathering hampers for the Christmas season. On Wednesday morning, volunteers picked up 100 hampers provided by the staff and owner at Kamloops Honda.

“They also come together to build the hampers and recognizing that every single one of these hampers represents a family that is in need in our community this year,” said Capt. Kelly Fifield. “It represents one more family that we can serve because of the support of Kamloops Honda.”

Product advisor with Kamloops Honda, Don Fleming, says, “Every year is a huge part of my personal Christmas. This is something that I strive to try and improve every year. It’s something I really love.”

Thanks to staff donations, Kamloops Honda donated 100 hampers to the Salvation Army (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

Knowing the pandemic has made 2020 a difficult year for some, Kamloops Honda bumped up the number of hampers from 75 last year to 100.

“The big kick this year. Sherry [owner of Kamloops Honda] stepped up. She said, ‘This is a tough year. We’re really going to need them this year.’ The company kicked in some more money,” said Fleming.

Back at Christmas Amalgamated, Whitson and volunteers are trying to get as many hampers out the door as they can during these trying times.

“I think somehow, because there are so many people that really are concerned and really are trying to help, I think it will work out,” said Whitson. “Always does in this city.”

You can drop off donations at Christmas Amalgamated at the Fortune Shopping Centre.