Operation Christmas Child gathered 11,330,126 gift-filled shoeboxes globally over the 2023 holiday season, 425,209 of which were packed in Canada, and 1,833 of those were filled in Portage la Prairie.
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collected shoeboxes filled with gifts to give to children around the world who would not otherwise receive one.
"We are thrilled to see the enthusiastic participation of Canadians in Operation Christmas Child," says Kendra Shields, Operation Christmas Child’s Canadian director. "It is very encouraging to know that so many generous people want to give hope and joy to children in need around the world."
Although gift drop-off locations are closed until November, anyone can still participate in this project by packing a shoebox gift online with just a few easy clicks at PackaBox.ca. These simple gifts, tell children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.
Samaritan’s Purse is celebrating the overwhelming generosity of the people who packed these shoeboxs for boys and girls worldwide in 2023. Each shoebox filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items, brought joy to children in need.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
LOCAL BREAKDOWN
- Portage la Prairie 1,833
- Brandon 2,108
- Blumenort 2,415
- Boissevain 242
- Carman 546
- Grunthal 2,392
- Killarney 414
- Lac Du Bonnet 335
- Landmark 2,519
- Oakbank 277
- Roblin 225
- Selkirk 457
- The Pas 226
- Virden 319
- Winkler 5,224
- Winnipeg 10,083