How does a community get together to ensure no one is left behind during the holidays?
The S岣祑x瘫w煤7mesh 脷xwumixw鈥檚 (Squamish Nation) annual Christmas hamper program is doing just that, bringing joy and unity to families across the Sea to Sky region.
This cherished initiative continues to evolve, ensuring that no family goes without during the holidays.
A tradition rooted in care
The Christmas hamper program has grown from humble beginnings.
鈥淭he program began by helping those who were truly in need and on social assistance,鈥� said Sxwixwtn, Wilson Williams, the Nation鈥檚 spokesperson and council member in an email to The 小蓝视频. 鈥淏ut it has evolved to support all community members, living on reserve and beyond.鈥�
This year, the Nation distributed approximately 1,000 hampers, reaching families in North Vancouver and Squamish, with additional packages available for off-reserve members.
The program鈥檚 expansion was particularly significant during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the heightened needs of the community.
鈥淚t grew substantially during [COVID-19] when so many people were struggling. And every year for the past five or six years we have expanded the program, reaching more and more people.鈥�
What鈥檚 in the hampers?
Each hamper is thoughtfully designed to provide everything needed for a full holiday celebration. This year鈥檚 packages included:
- A turkey
- 10 pounds of potatoes
- Carrots
- A box of stuffing
- Gravy mix and cranberry sauce
- Coffee, tea, cake mix, pancake mix, and syrup
The goal is 鈥渢o provide enough food for a family of four to six people.鈥�
鈥淲e want everyone to have a beautiful holiday meal and Christmas morning together,鈥� said Williams.
Expanding the program鈥檚 reach
As the program鈥檚 impact grows, so does its scope.
鈥淟ast year, we put together 900 hampers,鈥� said Williams in the email. 鈥淭his year, it was 1,000. For the 2025 holiday season, we hope to increase that number to 1,200鈥�1,500 hampers.鈥�
Hampers are delivered door-to-door for those living on reserve, while off-reserve members can pick them up.
This accessibility ensures no one is left out, fostering a sense of inclusion and care across the community.
Planning ahead
The Squamish Nation team is already preparing for next year, aiming to expand and enhance the program even further.
鈥淭he team just had a meeting about next year鈥攚e鈥檙e already planning for 2025!鈥� shared Williams. 鈥淲e hope to increase the number of hampers to 1,200鈥�1,500 for the next holiday season.鈥�
With plans already underway for 2025, this program promises to spread even more joy in the years to come.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The 小蓝视频's Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the
