By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The Oliver Knights of Columbus are again undertaking the Christmas Hamper Campaign which has been supporting the community for over 50 years.
The original campaign 53 years ago provided food for 10 families and last year the service organization filled hampers for 226 families, with the expectation that the number of families in need will be at least that again this year.
“The main problem again this year will be inflation and the increased cost of basic foodstuffs. We anticipate at least a 10 per cent rise in costs over last year,” commented the two Co-Chairs, Wayne Danbrok and Gary Mythen.
The Knights of Columbus work together with The Oliver Food Bank and with Oliver Missions to identify, register and facilitate the distribution of the Hampers.
Food collection boxes are placed in businesses around town for donations of non-perishable food to be dropped off. And this year, a team was handing out Tummy Bags at No Frills in November to make it even easier to donate.
“We thank you in advance for your generosity, and wish you a very Merry Christmas,” the organization said.
Everything for her – One of the 17 Hamper Baskets up for silent bidding, the #7 Everything for Her Basket with a starting bid of $100. Hamper includes: Oliver Parks and Rec $100 Gift Certificate Value, one litre Kevin Murphy Strengthen Coloured Hair Wash, Kevin Murphy SCALP spa Treatment, Kevin Murphy Scalp SpaSerum, Over The Fence Hey Neighbour White Wine, Handmade Soap, two wine glasses, Snowman stuffy and Sudoku Book. Total value $270.
Meanwhile, Oliver Tourism kicked off its annual 2024 Christmas Hamper Silent Auction on Tuesday (Nov. 26) with every dollar raised and every item donated going directly to help fill the Knights of Columbus food hampers.
Now in its 5th year, the community is invited to bid on a variety of silent auction items. All Silent Auction baskets will be on display for in-person viewing and bidding at the Oliver Visitor Centre and can also be viewed and bid upon online.
Those wishing to make in-person donations can drop off food, cash, or toy donations to the Christmas Elves at the Oliver Tourism Visitor Centre, located at 6431 Station Street, on Friday, November 29, from 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Oliver Visitor Centre will be at the Oliver Town Light Up and Fireworks festival with the Firehall Brewery beverage garden, merchant village, hot chocolate, fondue, mulled wine and more.
The annual Oliver Light Up and Fireworks event takes place this Friday, Nov. 29 starting at 4 p.m. beginning at the Municipal Hall on Main Street which will be closed off to vehicle traffic.
For more details including the schedule of events for both the Light Up and Fireworks and other events in Lions Park see here.
Monetary donations for the Knights of Columbus hampers are most welcome as 80 per cent of the food in the hampers is purchased, according to the organization.
Those interested in donating can make cheques payable to the Knights of Columbus /Hamper Project, P.O. Box 343, Oliver, B.C., V0H 1T0. As the Oliver Knights of Columbus is not a Registered Charitable Organization it is unable to issue tax receipts.
