As Dianne Greenwood begins her 26th year with Quesnel’s Good Cheer program, she reflected on the statistics that represents the faces and the families she has helped over the years.
Since 1992, this venerable volunteer and her team have filled 18,073 hampers filled with all the fixings for Christmas dinner plus toys for the children and any other small additions she is able to gather from community donations.
Her first grocery bill in 1992 was a paltry $18,230.06, whereas in 2016 the program shelled out $67,566. And the grand total of all the money spent in the last 25 years is $1,016,016,778.
“And it’s all come from our community,” Dianne says with pride.
She adds each campaign is about 3-4 weeks long and just about everything they need for the hampers comes in during that time.
“Most of the donors love to stop by with their donation, wish the volunteers a Merry Christmas and hand over their donation in person.
“From the big boys to the smallest donation, everything goes together to feed our clients who are in need.”
Dianne says so many Good Cheer donors who were on board when they took over in 1992 are still giving generously and the same dedicated volunteers show up every year despite their advancing age.
“They continue to give their time and energy to Good Cheer.”
With the hampers going out close to Christmas, Dianne notes they hope this ensures a full table of food for the recipients, but when a family is hungry, they eat the food, and sometimes that leaves Christmas dinner sadly lacking.
This year, the Good Cheer depot in the old Zellers store in Maple Park Mall opened today (Dec. 1) and hampers are handed out Dec. 22-23.
Those wishing to register to receive a Good Cheer hamper must register in person at the depot, provide proof of residency, state the number in their household and provide either a CareCard or Birth Certificate for each member.
“There are so many people struggling to make ends meet and it warms my heart to see the joy on their faces when they pick up their hampers.
“Good Cheer has always striven to help those who need a helping hand, especially at Christmas when there seems to be more expenses, less money and the fervent hope of a happy Christmas. We’re proud and humbled to be part of helping them.”
Each year, Dianne says its her last, but again and again she’s back making sure all the names on her list get the hampers they deserve. Each hamper is packed with love, and during the mayhem of the campaign, she says the volunteers still find time for lots of laughter and festive fun.
“We may not always see each other throughout the year, but when its time to open the depot, everyone shows up and we’re glad to see each other.”
The public is asked to give generously to Good Cheer, so everyone has a happy Christmas.