Riverside secondary has been donating hampers to those in need for 20 years in collaboration with Share Food Bank. The program donates hampers filled with food and other household essentials to those families in need so that they too can enjoy the holiday season. The tradition was started by former Riverside counsellor Brian Kenny when the school opened in 1997.
Riverside counsellor Kasey Chittenden commented on the tradition. “The hampers are an important part of Riverside because it gives us an opportunity to work together for a great cause. The RAP’s are able to help a family in need at a time of year when a lot of people need a helping hand.”
For many families, Christmas can be a very stressful time of year. The expectations that surrounds the holiday season, combined with the stress of paying for food and rent, can make Christmas difficult for some families. With the price of food being high, often there is no money left over for the usual Christmas staples or gifts for their children. The hampers can help make a family’s holiday season a little easier.
The hampers will be delivered to the families on December 22 by Riverside students. You can speak to your RAP teacher about volunteering to deliver your RAP’s hamper.
Bring in your non-perishable and semi-perishable donations to your RAP teacher before December 22. Donations of household items such as shampoo, toothpaste and dish soap are also appreciated. Perishable items such as milk, butter and yogurts should be brought in on December 22. Donations of toys, for families with small children, are appreciated, however, students should remember that the hampers are primarily food hampers.
“I think it’s important for everyone to realize how fortunate we are and to be aware that not everyone lives the way we do,” said Chittenden.
