During the dog days of summer, we could all use a little reminder of Christmas cheer.
For nearly half a century, the Knights in Campbell River, British Columbia have brought Christmas dinner and gifts to those in need through their annual “Christmas Hamper Fund.” For their work, the Knights from Bishop Hill Council 5468 were awarded first prize in the Community program category at the Knights of Columbus 138th Supreme Convention in early August.
The fund provides food and toys for children in families facing financial difficulties. In addition, the Christmas Hamper Fund gives assists seniors confined to home because of illness or immobility.
“As you get close to Christmas, you mention the name Knights of Columbus and [people in the community] immediately associate it with the Christmas Hamper Fund and they donate or give their time, whatever they can do,” said Michael Beston, the council’s grand knight. “It's great teamwork with the Knights, our parish and the community.”
During the program’s first year in 1972, Knights filled 52 hampers. Last year, they distributed a total of 1,150 thanks to the generosity of the locals.
“The community of Campbell River is a very, very special community. I always use the words ‘small town, big heart,’” said Kevin Gearey, a council member. “They get behind absolutely everything. In particular, the Hamper Fund.”
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The hamper project, in fact, is what inspired Gearey to become a member. After moving to the area nearly 15 years ago, he volunteered to build a few hampers and from that moment, he was hooked.
Ken Neeson, another council member, has a similar story. He volunteered to deliver the hampers and during one delivery, saw the gratitude a boy expressed when the hamper had mandarin oranges. It was something he will never forget. Neeson was so impressed with the Knights’ project that he decided to join. Now he is the chairman of the Christmas Hamper Fund, which he sees as a community effort.
More than 11 schools within the town assist the project, and volunteers fill the hampers and deliver them along the 14 different routes. The city council and mayor have declared the Saturday before Christmas “Christmas Hamper Fund Day.”
Planning for the fund begins in late September and continues into the new year. For most, this would be exhausting, but for the Knights and residents of Campbell River, it’s part of Christmas.
“This community of Campbell River amazes me,” Neeson said. “They’ve fallen in love with the project and appreciate this reaching out to the needy. They want to see the kids get something special, and they want seniors to be remembered.”
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