CARSTAIRS/DIDSBURY - As they have done for decades, community groups, volunteers, businesses and others came together over the Christmas season to help and support needy individuals and families.
The annual Didsbury hamper program based at the Zion Church saw 135 hampers distributed to recipients in the town and surrounding area.
More than 70 volunteers came together to help with the support efforts, said co-organizer and longtime volunteer Linda Regner.
“We’ve got so many people coming out in support,” she said.
Among those helping to distribute hampers were members of the Mountain View Colts hockey team and many other local good Samaritans.
In Carstairs, the Lions Club once again spearheaded the relief efforts, with almost 100 individuals receiving gift cards for food, clothing and other necessities.
Over the year more than $20,000 was brought in for the program through numerous community and private events, said longtime co-organizer Leslie Cunningham.
It was the 44th year of the program in Carstairs.
This year has been particularly hard on the community’s less fortunate, with high cost of living putting pressure on many families and individuals, she said.
A lack of affordable housing in the town and district is also causing hardships, she said.
Community service groups, individuals and businesses all contributed to this year’s support program, she noted.
