The Airdrie 1st Club has officially opened its 2024 Holiday Hamper Program applications. Due to rising living costs, the club expects greater demand than last year.
Jo-El Buerlen, President of Airdrie 1st Club, noted that last year, the organization distributed over 350 hampers to families in need. This year, they have prepared for the expected increase by strengthening partnerships with businesses and corporate sponsors. Community members are already stepping forward to sponsor families, a positive sign of support.
"With the cost of living and the increases in the diversity of family and job changes and whatnot, we're hearing it from the community. We're braced, and we're ready," she said. "We're also already getting members of the community that want to sponsor families; that had started to happen, which is great [and] it seems to be a little earlier than last year. We are so fortunate for the support that we have."
Buerlen explained that the Airdrie 1st Club's holiday hamper program provides food and fuel gift cards to support families in need. Each year, they assess Airdrie's situation using the Government of Canada's poverty rate and develop a tailored screening process to determine eligibility for the program, ensuring that their criteria are relevant to local circumstances.
"We create a formula that's a bit higher than the standard government rate, so it's more pertaining to Airdrie... Parents are working hard, and it's getting harder for parents to make ends meet," Buerlen said. "[I think] that's the most unique thing about Airdrie 1st - we see and feel the impact of the increases of living; and the club strives to alleviate that stress on families by providing a holiday meal. What may be small to some is large to others, and that small [thing] can be that hand up that changes everything in someone's life."
Buerlen, who initially began at the organization as a 'screener' of applications, says it's emotionally taxing as many are in need. Despite this, she has continued to work with the organization, noting there are also unforgettable moments.
"Seeing the smiles and the appreciation of the people... that’s what it’s all about, is giving back to your community," she said.
As per tradition, themes are assigned to the program each year, so there will be something special for this year, though Buerlen said it will remain a surprise for now.
"We've got a few new surprises coming into the hamper program this year, and I think some families and some kiddos are going to be really, really surprised," Buerlen added.
As part of the Holiday Hamper Program, a charity hockey game in which first responders will compete against each other is also planned for December.
"The Siren's Hockey game goal this year will be gift cards and cash," Buerlen added.
According to Airdrie 1st, the organization has helped thousands of Airdrie families in need since 1977. Online applications for the Holiday Hamper Program are available, and those interested in sponsoring and donating can find more information online.
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