Fifteen thousands calls and counting: Cheer Board opens lines for season

The Christmas Cheer Board fielded over 15,000 calls on Tuesday, opening hamper application lines for the season, even though it was operating with half its phone capacity for a portion of the morning. The charity, which usually charges $5.77 plus GST every four weeks, had lost capacity due to technical problems and a fire evacuation at its Main Street building.

Executive director Shawna Bell stated that callers who couldn't connect should not worry, as applications remain open until December 23. Bell encouraged patience, noting that the system can handle 15 calls at a time, with about a dozen more on hold. Many of the initial calls were repeat attempts from those unable to connect initially.

In 2023, the charity had to halt hamper orders early due to a surge of walk-ins overwhelming its capacity. Workers from the income assistance line were evacuated from the building due to a neighboring fire. Despite a 7% drop in donations last year, the Cheer Board secured a one-time provincial funding of $1 million to enhance hamper contents and ensure the program can handle demand.

This year's hampers will include items like stuffing, gravy mix, and children's candy. Hampers will be packed until December 17 and distributed from December 18 onwards. Donations, particularly cash donations, are highly valued to fund bulk purchases for the program.