Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

FOOD BANK & CHRISTMAS AMALGAMATED

Kamloops paramedics hope to Fill the Ambulance with donations on Saturday

Nov 27, 2020 | 3:16 PM

KAMLOOPS — Friday marks four weeks until Christmas. That’s right — in the year that seemingly won’t end, we have less than one month until Santa Claus visits. His local contingent of elves is working hard to make sure all the folks on the ‘nice’ list will get what they need for a Merry Christmas.

With less than a month until Christmas, the shelves are wells stocked at Christmas Amalgamated. However, like most years, the section for older kids could use a few more items.

“Always [in need of] things for teens,” Co-ordinator Sally Whitson says. “Gifts for teens, both boys and girls. It’s always difficult to keep up with that.”

On Saturday (Nov. 28), there’s an event that will help fill that need. The second annual Fill the Ambulance is being held outside of Superstore from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. BC Ambulance Paramedics will be accepting donations of non-perishable food and cash for the Food Bank, and new and unwrapped toys for Christmas Amalgamated.

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“We had a really good response last year,” Kamloops Unit Chief Michael Saat tells CFJC Today. “We had in the neighbourhood of 500 pounds of food last year, and also a bunch of toys and gifts that were donated to us. And some money that was donated, as well, that we were able to give to both the Food Bank and Christmas Amalgamated.”

COVID-19 has affected how many of us typically celebrate the holidays, such as workplace Christmas parties and other events. Executive Director Bernadette Siracky says this year, that change means more people seem to be aware of supporting the Kamloops Food Bank.

“We’re finding this year especially that many people are cancelling Christmas parties, they’re not able to celebrate as they normally do this time of year,” SIracky explains. “They’re choosing to donate to the Food Bank instead, and that’s leading to a lot of gratitude on our part — and certainly a full warehouse.”

The Food Bank is always happy to partner with any organizations that are looking for ways to help.

“If people want to raise donations for us, we can always help,” Corra Gassner, Director of Source Development for the Food Bank, says. “Whether that’s arranging pick-ups or deliveries, bins or that sort of thing. Really, anything to help them run a successful event.”

Over at Christmas Amalgamated in the Fortune Shopping Centre, Whitson says she’s getting a little worried people might not know that they’re open and taking names for Christmas hampers.

“We were really concerned, because so many of the people who come in here, their first comment is, ‘Oh, we didn’t think you were here, we didn’t think you were open,’” Whitson explains. “I was quite concerned that our recipients wouldn’t come in and apply for a hamper. And of course, our donors, we need them.”

Helping to raise awareness is just another reason events like Fill the Ambulance are important during this time of year.

“It would be great to have a little bit better than what we had last year,” Saat says. “Anything that the general public can donate, and anything they can find in their hearts to give will be perfect.”