Christmas Amalgamated helping families have a happy holiday for 45-years

KAMLOOPS — It’s now just one month until Christmas Day. As many families are preparing for the joyous occasion by decorating their homes, shopping for presents and thinking about a delicious Christmas dinner, others in our community are not as lucky. That’s where programs like Christmas Amalgamated come in play, helping those less fortunate have a Merry Christmas.

Sally Whitson has been the woman behind Christmas Amalgamated for nearly half a century as she embarks on Year 45 of giving back to Kamloops. Even after all those years, she says she will keep coming back to help families throughout the community.

“It’s really uncomfortable for a lot of people to find themselves having to ask for help. But, the advantage is the mother knows what her kids want for Christmas. The other advantage is the mother knows she is going to get something for Christmas, she doesn’t have to go out and use her rent money,” said Whitson.

Christmas Amalgamated helps provide presents and food hampers to Kamloops residents for the holiday season. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation, Whitson expects the need for the service may be high this winter.

“Our largest year comes very close to 2,000 families and we are just not sure what to expect this year because the need is so high and the cost of groceries is just out of sight. We could end up with some pretty good numbers this year,” added Whitson.

The presents are organized by age group, with the biggest gap currently bring for the older kids.

“It’s still always from 9-12 or the pre-teens and teens, it is always tough. We need more games and toques for boys and gloves, stuff like that,” said long-time volunteer Stella.

For both Whitson and her team of hard-working volunteers the feeling of joy is pronounced when they can watch a family leave with presents and food for Christmas.

“It’s such a great feeling, it just lifts your heart that they are at least going to have a good Christmas with some toys,” said Stella.

“It’s incredible this community, one of the best as far as I’m concerned, never lets people down. They are always ready to stand up and help,” stated Whitson.