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Hamper drive: It was organized chaos

Kevin Gearey

Special to the Mirror

 

“In all of my years of broadcasting, it’s the first time that I have seen anything like this!”

These were the first words uttered by Dean Stoltz of CHEK News as he made his way into the back of the depot where Christmas Hampers were being assembled.

What he was referring to was the dozens of Riverites of every age who were winding their way in almost military-like fashion around the depot in the process of filling each hamper. These filled hampers were then sent out to waiting vehicles to be delivered by volunteers. It was an overwhelming display of a community at work to achieve a common goal, to bring Christmas to everyone.

What he witnessed was the icing on the cake. In the weeks prior to delivery day, Dec. 17, there was an almost constant flow of members from every segment of Campbell River to the depot.

Individuals, businesses, community groups and organizations, teams and schools brought donations of money, food and toys to make the day a successful reality.

Absolutely essential to the effort was the aid of the media, the Campbell River Mirror in print and 2Day FM over the airwaves. Their participation made the community aware of the needs of the Hamper Fund both as to donations and volunteers.

To echo a thought penned by Alistair Taylor in a recent Mirror editorial, Campbell River is truly a community with a social conscience: “…we are known by how we treat those in need. As a community, we can be defined by that and it’s obvious the spirit in this community is to be seen as one that cares.”

So, for the 43rd time, the Knights of Columbus give heartfelt thanks to the community for coming together as one, at Christmas, to help ensure that as many as possible have a joyful Christmas. Thank You and we wish everyone a Happy, Healthy New Year!

– Kevin Gearey is the Knights of Columbus Christmas Hamper Fund coordinator