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Christmas Cheer

Christmas Cheer

katie1204
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 148

katie1204
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 148

Christmas Cheer
10/20/2020 at 2:35 PM

We got the email to say that Christmas Cheer hampers in Brandon will NOT be happening this year and that we are to discontinue filling out applications. The reason is the board felt they could not guarantee the safety of the many volunteers and recipients.
Fishin Guy
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6897

Fishin Guy
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6897

Makes sense.....
10/20/2020 at 3:41 PM

I volunteer yearly as a Christmas tradition per say. We enter a lot of seniors residences and even though I may be alright, I would hate to be a carrier into their homes. And the same reversed, I wouldn't want to chance it either visiting someone. Yea could do the doorstep thing but the closeness in packing, loading, sorting, etc. it would be too time consuming to be working spaced out.
Giddyup
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 473

Giddyup
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 473

why??
10/20/2020 at 4:25 PM

I honestly don’t understand why they couldn’t come up with a plan to do it safely. Restaurants, stores, 2nd hand stores, schools.... LITERALLY everywhere else can. It’s a shame and a lot of people.... families, children will have nothing this Christmas... and after the year we have all had that’s extremely unfortunate.
Loudmouth
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 387

Loudmouth
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 387

That's so unfortunate
10/20/2020 at 4:38 PM

The board met with Public Health officials and had decided to proceed.
We already have the applications at our office.

I wonder why they changed their minds?

I feel so bad for those that rely on these hampers.
Mrs.Worme
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 53

Mrs.Worme
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 53

:(
10/20/2020 at 4:41 PM

Loudmouth said "The board met with Public Health officials and had decided to proceed.
We already have the applications at our office.

I wonder why they changed their minds?

I feel so bad for those that rely on these hampers. "
My girls and I have gotten a hamper for the last couple years now hearing that put a lump in my throat forsure.
What other places are going ahead with something similar? Anyone?
Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

cheer board
10/20/2020 at 4:45 PM

The Cheer Board in Winnipeg is handing out vouchers instead, "Food Vouchers are redeemable at any Sobeys, Safeway, IGA or Freshco." https://www.christmascheerboard.ca/

Those are all part of the same parent company. Maybe the local board just needs to set something up with one of the local retailers?
Summertime
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 931

Summertime
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 931

This is a great idea
10/20/2020 at 5:14 PM

Abbysmum said "The Cheer Board in Winnipeg is handing out vouchers instead, "Food Vouchers are redeemable at any Sobeys, Safeway, IGA or Freshco." https://www.christmascheerboard.ca/

Those are all part of the same parent company. Maybe the local board just needs to set something up with one of the local retailers? "
Still benefits those in need, and keeps those seniors safe
Exhausted
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1756

Exhausted
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1756

not really
10/20/2020 at 9:39 PM

New times said "Still benefits those in need, and keeps those seniors safe "
Sobeys etc aren't giving these gift cards to Winnipeg Cheer Board. The Xmas Cheer board has to raise the money for them.

its $30 for a single and $100 for a family. How far do you think that will go? not far. You can walk in the door of Sobeys and the money is gone before you go down one aisle even with any sales.

and what do they consider a single? Samaritan House considers a single 3 or less even if kids. Family is 4 or more.

Can you imagine having to do Xmas dinner and any type of presents on that sort of money? I have had years like that and it isn't fun at all trying to have something for your kids.

Something could have been figured out how to do it safely. Many other things have.

I feel so sorry for ones that have already filled applications only to be told too bad too sad you're not getting anything this year.

Very sad indeed. Nothing to smile about.
Summertime
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 931

Summertime
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 931

?
10/21/2020 at 9:04 AM

Exhausted said "Sobeys etc aren't giving these gift cards to Winnipeg Cheer Board. The Xmas Cheer board has to raise the money for them.

its $30 for a single and $100 for a family. How far do you think that will go? not far. You can walk in the door of Sobeys and the money is gone before you go down one aisle even with any sales.

and what do they consider a single? Samaritan House considers a single 3 or less even if kids. Family is 4 or more.

Can you imagine having to do Xmas dinner and any type of presents on that sort of money? I have had years like that and it isn't fun at all trying to have something for your kids.

Something could have been figured out how to do it safely. Many other things have.

I feel so sorry for ones that have already filled applications only to be told too bad too sad you're not getting anything this year.

Very sad indeed. Nothing to smile about. "
While I feel for those who rely on these hampers, we as a society have a duty to protect the volunteers in this situations as they have a high number of senior volunteers. I don’t think any sane person would chose to put all of these vulnerable volunteers at risk. Let’s focus on the big picture here. Why would we willingly put their lives at risk? Um, No.
Nunya
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 87

Nunya
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 87

.
10/21/2020 at 10:09 AM

New times said "While I feel for those who rely on these hampers, we as a society have a duty to protect the volunteers in this situations as they have a high number of senior volunteers. I don’t think any sane person would chose to put all of these vulnerable volunteers at risk. Let’s focus on the big picture here. Why would we willingly put their lives at risk? Um, No. "
Noone's expecting anyone to put their lives at risk. Most understand that the general demographic of the volunteers is high risk in this pandemic. I personally feel like what people are most disappointed that there was seemingly no effort to put a call out to the community to give less susceptible demographics the opportunity to step up and take over these duties IF they felt comfortable to do so. I believe in the goodness of our community however, and believe there will be a alternative organized somewhere.
Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

costs
10/21/2020 at 12:51 PM

Exhausted said "Sobeys etc aren't giving these gift cards to Winnipeg Cheer Board. The Xmas Cheer board has to raise the money for them.

its $30 for a single and $100 for a family. How far do you think that will go? not far. You can walk in the door of Sobeys and the money is gone before you go down one aisle even with any sales.

and what do they consider a single? Samaritan House considers a single 3 or less even if kids. Family is 4 or more.

Can you imagine having to do Xmas dinner and any type of presents on that sort of money? I have had years like that and it isn't fun at all trying to have something for your kids.

Something could have been figured out how to do it safely. Many other things have.

I feel so sorry for ones that have already filled applications only to be told too bad too sad you're not getting anything this year.

Very sad indeed. Nothing to smile about. "
I agree that it's maybe not the best choice in terms of spending their cash... I find those stores very expensive. I guess it has the advantage that they are very common in Winnipeg, so everyone should have access to them.

I wonder, though too, if they got discounts for buying these cards. I know when people sell gift cards for fundraisers, a percentage goes back to the group (or the cards are purchased at a reduced rate...? I'm not 100% sure how they work), so maybe this is what has happened there. I know Sobeys & company usually are a participant in those programs.

So good for the Cheer Board in the sense that they probably didn't pay market value for the cards, but bad because unless you're very, very VERY careful with what you buy, they're not going to go very far.
Summertime
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 931

Summertime
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 931

Yeah ok
10/24/2020 at 12:18 PM

Nunya said "Noone's expecting anyone to put their lives at risk. Most understand that the general demographic of the volunteers is high risk in this pandemic. I personally feel like what people are most disappointed that there was seemingly no effort to put a call out to the community to give less susceptible demographics the opportunity to step up and take over these duties IF they felt comfortable to do so. I believe in the goodness of our community however, and believe there will be a alternative organized somewhere. "
I’ll just leave this here. You say “no one is expecting anyone to put their lives at risk”. Clearly, the senior volunteers and then Brandon sun disagree with you. Stay safe seniors! We support you!!
SK19
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 346

SK19
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 346

$100 is $100
10/24/2020 at 1:48 PM

Exhausted said "Sobeys etc aren't giving these gift cards to Winnipeg Cheer Board. The Xmas Cheer board has to raise the money for them.

its $30 for a single and $100 for a family. How far do you think that will go? not far. You can walk in the door of Sobeys and the money is gone before you go down one aisle even with any sales.

and what do they consider a single? Samaritan House considers a single 3 or less even if kids. Family is 4 or more.

Can you imagine having to do Xmas dinner and any type of presents on that sort of money? I have had years like that and it isn't fun at all trying to have something for your kids.

Something could have been figured out how to do it safely. Many other things have.

I feel so sorry for ones that have already filled applications only to be told too bad too sad you're not getting anything this year.

Very sad indeed. Nothing to smile about. "
Is $100 not better than $0? Who complains about FREE MONEY?

I have participated in the hampers before, and we covered a family for about $100.

Be smart with the money, shop sales, price match.

The level of entitlement in this thread and what I have seen on Facebook has totally disgusted me and made me not want to participate in the hampers ever again. I think I’ll donate to other causes from now on.

The Brandon Suns article was 100% bang on today.
Oryx
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5628

Oryx
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5628

I have
10/25/2020 at 11:19 PM

kärlek said "Is $100 not better than $0? Who complains about FREE MONEY?

I have participated in the hampers before, and we covered a family for about $100.

Be smart with the money, shop sales, price match.

The level of entitlement in this thread and what I have seen on Facebook has totally disgusted me and made me not want to participate in the hampers ever again. I think I’ll donate to other causes from now on.

The Brandon Suns article was 100% bang on today. "
to agree.
Christmas isn't a surprise.
Happens every year at the same time.
Instead of counting on the kindness of strangers perhaps people should plan for it.
ram1952
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 114

ram1952
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 114

I also agree
10/26/2020 at 4:44 AM

As a society to many individuals have become dependent on the kindness of others to maintain a certain standard of living. A lot of individuals abuse the free hampers, our food banks and the free gifts for children. If you can afford luxury items such as a cell phone, high speed internet and cable/satellite TV - then you don't need a hamper - you need to learn how to manage your money. I think one should redirect their charitable donation to the special dinners put on for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas as these dinners serve a major purpose in that it provides an opportunity for single individuals and seniors, who would otherwise be alone during these special days the opportunity to get out and socialize so they don't feel so lonely.
Fishin Guy
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6897

Fishin Guy
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6897

Wow.....
10/27/2020 at 2:42 PM

To say $100 for a family won't go far is absurd. I can get a whole turkey on sale for under $20. I can buy a pack or two of gravy for a couple dollars. I can buy stuffing on sale or make my own for a few dollars. Buy some frozen veggies, some milk, and you have a Christmas dinner with fixings, and leftovers. As for presents, heck if I am, and have been in that situation food on the table is the best gift to have. Having family together is more than a wrapped present. To hug your family with a full stomach means the world. Man have we ever gotten away from what truly should be the gifts in life.
Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

100%
10/27/2020 at 2:51 PM

Fishin Guy said "To say $100 for a family won't go far is absurd. I can get a whole turkey on sale for under $20. I can buy a pack or two of gravy for a couple dollars. I can buy stuffing on sale or make my own for a few dollars. Buy some frozen veggies, some milk, and you have a Christmas dinner with fixings, and leftovers. As for presents, heck if I am, and have been in that situation food on the table is the best gift to have. Having family together is more than a wrapped present. To hug your family with a full stomach means the world. Man have we ever gotten away from what truly should be the gifts in life. "
Agreed. You are absolutely right, many peoples values and priorities are not realistic.

Edited by Farmergeorge, 2020-10-27 14:58:40
Donnie53
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 2

Donnie53
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 2

Christmas Cheer
10/27/2020 at 6:42 PM

katie1204 said "We got the email to say that Christmas Cheer hampers in Brandon will NOT be happening this year and that we are to discontinue filling out applications. The reason is the board felt they could not guarantee the safety of the many volunteers and recipients. "
Check the United Way of Brandon’s Facebook page. They are helping to plan a program to replace the Christmas Cheer hampers.
Glamping
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 193

Glamping
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 193

I agree
10/27/2020 at 6:47 PM

Just dig out my receipt from thanksgiving supper. I feels 6, 3 adults and 3 kids plus had leftovers for 2 full meals.
I bought a turkey, bag of potatoes, stuffing, corn, buns, gravy, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, for $52.00.

Would have $48 left to buy a few books, mitts, cars, puzzles, teddy bears at the dollar store. We’ve created monsters who expect everything and appreciate nothing.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Christmas Cheer
10/27/2020 at 7:20 PM

Pasting below a press release distributed by the United Way this PM....

* * * * *

October 27, 2020

We have provided information regarding the current state of the Christmas Cheer program for your consideration.

- United Way Brandon & District truly appreciates the efforts of the Christmas Cheer Board and its long list of volunteers. This is a group of mainly seniors who puts their hearts into this project each and every year. We know that their decision to step back this year was a very difficult one, and one purely made with the safety and health of their volunteer base in mind. We are asking the community to support their decision, and to continue to support Christmas Cheer in the years going forward.

- United Way is committed to helping distribute hampers this year. The logistics are not 100% clear as of yet, but we will do our best to ensure that the families who would normally benefit from the work of Christmas Cheer, will continue to do so.

- This is a temporary fix, and an effort for United Way to assist an incredible organization. We are not looking to start a new program or take over the Christmas Cheer Program. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is that we all are all in this together and this community will continue to take care of its own. We are working with the executive of the Christmas Cheer Board for advisement and assistance as we endeavor to make the Holidays happen for Brandon families.

- At this time, United Way will be reaching out to organizations who would normally recommend families to Christmas Cheer so that we can begin to compile a database of those in need. We ask that organizations who may have the ability to create and provide hampers, to please contact United Way. Our goal is to ensure that we do not have duplication in the provision of hampers so that we can spread the cheer as far as we can this Holiday Season.

- If individuals, businesses or employee groups would like to help, please contact United Way at office@brandonuw.ca. We are open to accepting help in any way – adopting families, toy/food/monetary donations, gift wrappers, packers and delivery drivers. We will be compiling a list and will be in contact as soon as we can to facilitate your help.
- United Way’s goal is to facilitate a collaborative community effort to honor the efforts of the Christmas Cheer Board and to spread the #locallove to those who need it.

“The Christmas Cheer Board is a group of very experienced volunteers that have been making the Holiday Season brighter for families for decades. I have so much appreciation for what they do and absolutely respect the decision they have made to ensure the health and safety of their volunteers in the current COVID-19 climate. I know this wasn’t easy for them.

United Way Brandon & District is still in the process of executing our annual fundraising campaign, which has been a bit of a challenge in itself. We have to raise at least $500,000 in order to continue our partnerships with the agencies and programs that we have ongoing commitments with, and that is critically important to us. At the same time, we are always willing to assist local organizations who are making incredible community impact – like Christmas Cheer. We will do our best this year to continue their efforts to make the Holiday Season bright for so many, and look forward to seeing them ramp back up again in 2021.”

Cynamon Mychasiw United Way Brandon CEO

* * * * *
Gussins
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 380

Gussins
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 380

Interesting....
10/28/2020 at 12:31 AM

I wonder how many people who are against proceeding with the hampers this year gathered with a large number of family at Thanksgiving and are planning to send their children door to door for free candy.
Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

.
10/28/2020 at 7:34 AM

Gussins said "I wonder how many people who are against proceeding with the hampers this year gathered with a large number of family at Thanksgiving and are planning to send their children door to door for free candy. "
Nope, neither of them, it would be irresponsible and inconsiderate this year. The guidelines are clear and if people won’t behave themselves then stronger measures will have to be enforced.
Cheezies
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1623

Cheezies
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1623

Hmm
10/28/2020 at 7:39 AM

Gussins said "I wonder how many people who are against proceeding with the hampers this year gathered with a large number of family at Thanksgiving and are planning to send their children door to door for free candy. "
I don’t think anyone is against proceeding with hampers if they can be done in a safe manor. They are against using our vulnerable population to do it though. It’s not fair to expect the current volunteers to pull this off as they usually do. They need to many volunteers in their confined space for too long. If other volunteers that are younger want to do it, then I think they will have the support. They may or may not be able to get the level of financial help from businesses and people that they usually do, as some are struggling from Covid.
On a personal level we usually donate quite a lot to Christmas cheer, but don’t have that level we usually do to help out. We’ve managed to come up with some however. But after reading about how people rely on this and the complaints, we’ve decided to restructure how we donate for this year and going forward. We will be sticking to food donations only... no more gifts. And cash/extra donations will be going to organizations such as bear clan.
Our personal choice.
And to answer your question. No we did not have any large family gatherings for Thanksgiving. And don’t plan for one at Christmas. We also haven’t seen many family members during this period to help keep them safe. We don’t have any trick or treaters in our house, just older teen. Who will be collecting food for the college that night.
We will be handing out candy as I am confident we are doing our part in being safe. They’ve been prepackaged in a bag for two weeks already. They were wiped down when purchased. We have set up a table for candy, no doorbells, or railings will be touched. Tongs will be used to place candy bag into bag. Tongs and table will be wiped down between kids. We don’t usually get too many kids, but ones we know. Mask will be worn and social distancing will occur. Our vulnerable volunteers for hampers couldn’t be promised they have that space available. Plus halloween is outside as opposed to inside a building.
Just my views, and our opinions!
SK19
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 346

SK19
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 346

Again with the entitlement?
10/28/2020 at 8:09 AM

Gussins said "I wonder how many people who are against proceeding with the hampers this year gathered with a large number of family at Thanksgiving and are planning to send their children door to door for free candy. "
You’re judging largely a group of seniors who don’t want to put themselves at risk to hand out donations. I would not be quick to assume they celebrated thanksgiving or anything. No one wants their parents or grandparents to die or become very sick over a hamper, and with the way Covid spreads all it takes is 1 person to cause an outbreak.

Covid has been very hard on seniors, who often deal with isolation in a normal year. Cancelling the hampers was likely a disappointing decision for them and a difficult one.

It is not your place to judge them for trying to keep themselves safe.

And to answer your question: I did not have thanksgiving, nor will I have Christmas dinner by the looks of things. Halloween is off the table this year too.

I’m not participating in the hampers because I also don’t want to increase my chances of getting Covid, and after seeing the entitled complaints, I felt very upset. It made me feel like all the donations I have given in the past were not appreciated. I have donated a hamper a year for a long time, and it felt like a slap in the face. I understand people would be disappointed, but the comments were downright embarrassing. When the Christmas Cheer mentioned $100 gift cards in lieu people still complained!

I will still donate to a cause this year, but it won’t be anything hamper related. This situation really put a bad taste in my mouth. I still believe in helping out, but I’m taking a step back from the hampers for the foreseeable future.