10 times the cheer

Food donations for the Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund has more than tripled compared to last year.

The annual food drive held a donation blitz at the CLE grounds over the weekend. The drive, which started on Saturday, gave people a chance to donate cash or nonperishable food items. Volunteers helped to unload trucks filled with food.

Linda Gambee, chairwoman for the Christmas Cheer, said on Sunday they took in 10 times the amount of food in comparison to last year and added they received about $5,000. She said she hoped to keep that momentum going during the second day of the drive.

“I think people have heard us, we were on the air for 34 hours so people have responded,” Gambee said. “They know we’re in need. We’re over 500 extra hampers than we were last year, which is a huge amount. It has never really increased that much before.”

Despite the increase in donations, Gambee said it’s still tough for some people and added they will be providing food for 6,000 people mostly children.

“I never thought I’d live to see the day where we would compete for food,” she said. “Everyone has to eat. We’re here to provide them with a hamper for Christmas. I’m pretty confidence that we’re going to do it. Everyone will get a hamper that has been registered with us.”

Gambee said she was looking forward to Monday to see how much the schools have raised. If the rumours are true, then the schools should make a considerable contribution, she said

Christmas Cheer already raised about $70,000 of its targeted goal of $160,000.

Even if people missed the weekend campaign and couldn’t donate during the week they could still give cash donations well into the New Year, she said.

Justina Swan has volunteered with the Christmas Cheer for the past six years. The 20-year-old Lakehead University said she wanted to help out her community and make sure those in need had a merry Christmas.

“I have been very fortunate in my life and I know a lot of people who aren’t so fortunate,” Swan said. “I feel it’s very important to give back to the community. I think people really appreciate the help. I know some of them probably didn’t come into this situation by choice so they really appreciate the help that they can get.”