The Martensville Fire Department (MFD) will once again be providing food hampers to families in need of a little extra help this Christmas. This annual event has been taking place for over 25 years and typically helps approximately 20 families each year.
For those in need of a hamper, nominations will be accepted until the food hamper delivery date, which is Wednesday, December 22, and can be made by contacting Martensville City Hall at (306) 931-2166.
Nominations are kept confidential, although since other organizations have begun running a similar program, there has been collaboration between the groups to ensure that everyone in need receives support. If information is shared, it is with permission of the recipient first.
Donations of non-perishable foods and hygiene products are being accepted at Venture Heights School, Valley Manor School, Lake Vista School and Martensville High School, as well as at City Hall.
Monetary donations, which will be used for last minute fresh items such as turkeys and hams, or gift cards to local stores within the community are also being accepted. E-transfers can be sent to mfd@martensville.ca.
A final pick-up of all donations will be made on December 17, with the sorting taking place prior to the December 22 delivery date. In previous years, the MFD has brought in other organizations to help with the sorting; however, according to Captain James Taylor, the MFD Food Hamper Program Coordinator, “As a result of the ongoing pandemic, we have chosen to err on the side of caution and keep sorting ‘in-house’ at the fire hall. We have definitely appreciated past support from organizations such as the cadets, hockey teams, and others. We look forward to continuing this tradition in future years.”
“The hamper program cannot be successful without the support from local schools, businesses, and other community and charitable organizations. It is truly a community-wide effort and MFD is grateful to have this backing to ensure the success of the program year after year,” Taylor added.
