Christmas Cheer Board kicks off the season; here is how you can help

The Christmas Cheer Board kicked off its 2025 campaign to bring cheer to Winnipeg families this holiday season.

It was like Santa’s workshop was transported from the North Pole to the heart of Winnipeg, but instead of elves, there were dozens of volunteers and students working to fill hampers with food, toys and holiday cheer.

It was all part of the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg’s official kick-off to the season. On Monday morning, students from St. Gerard School and volunteers started packing Christmas hampers.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and we’re excited to be able to do this once again and bring some cheer to families in need,” said Shawna Bell, the Cheer Board’s executive director.

Bell said the organization is preparing for more than 21,000 hampers this year—similar to what was handed out last year.

However, she noted costs have gone up since last year.

“We saw a significant creep of about 20 per cent in the cost of our groceries,” she said, adding the Cheer Board will need help meeting the need.

“The Winnipeg community has always been very fantastic in stepping up and coming forward with us.”

Along with the hampers, the Christmas Cheer Board is teaming up once again with Tim Hortons through its Holiday Smile Cookie campaign. Bell said proceeds from the sale of these cookies go to the Cheer Board. She noted last year, with the coffee giant’s help, the Cheer Board was able to do an extra 1,000 hampers.

“This year, we’re really excited to see if we can top that.”

Bell said there are several ways people can get involved.

Winnipeg residents can order Tim Hortons’ Holiday Smile Cookies directly through the Christmas Cheer Board website.

The Cheer Board is also looking for financial donations or donations of food or toys. Bell noted there is always a need for volunteers, especially when hamper deliveries begin on Dec. 5.

“We’re going to need folks to help us get those hampers out into families’ hands,” she said.

More details on how to help can be found on the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg website.