Making the Holiday Season Brighter

Hundreds of volunteers come together every December to pack Christmas Hampers for families in need.

It’s only a few weeks until Christmas, but we’re already feeling the joy that comes with the season.

That’s because today is the start of our Christmas Hamper program, where hundreds of volunteers will pack and deliver Christmas Hampers to 4,000 individuals and families in need in Kitchener and Waterloo.

Hundreds more are facing the cold weather outside, handing out turkeys at Turkey Trucks in Kitchener and Waterloo, making sure that local families have everything they need to make the holiday season special.

It’s a lot of work, but you wouldn’t know it by the cheer in the room. Everyone is smiling, some are singing Christmas carols, and there’s a sense of happiness in the air.

Boxes are assembled quickly, tossed to waiting volunteers, who cheerfully fill it with food, while quickly sliding the box along the line. Mere minutes later, the box is packed, ready to be sent out to a family in need. It’s like an assembly line, but not like one shown in the movies. Here, everyone has a role, but no one has to be here — they’ve chosen to give their time.

Ed and Katharina have been volunteering with Christmas Hampers for 19 years.

For some, it’s their first shift at Christmas Hampers. For others, like Ed and Katharina, this year marks 19 years at Christmas Hampers. Harold guesses he’s been here 23 years – it’s so hard to keep track of these things.

But for all of them, it is their chance to make the season meaningful, a chance to give back. A chance to care.

And for us at House of Friendship, it is humbling, awe-inspiring and beautiful to be a witness to the gift that 1,200 volunteers are giving to their neighbours in need at Christmas.

We couldn’t do this without you – thank you so much!