PORT McNEILL—Staff at the Ministry of Forests office in Port McNeill have combined to contribute more than $46,000 to the Gazette Hamper Fund since 1997.
This year, they wanted to do a little more.
Instead of its traditional cash donation, with most of the money raised through an in-house auction, MOF employees have divided into teams by work section and are challenging each other with themed elements designed to add food, toys and household items to the office’s contribution.
“It’s getting interesting,” said Andrew Ashford, manager at MOF. “It’s nice to see a friendly rivalry around the office.”
Ashford noted one section that designed a train of boxcars, with the boxes filled with food and toys.
Another group created a Santa’s sleigh constructed around a shopping cart and pulled by cutout reindeer.
“Typically our donation has been money,” said “This year it’s more split up between cash and other items.”
Please see a tree
The Port McNeill Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local businesses to join Flower Shoppe owner Lyn Skrlac in decorating Christmas trees to show off and raise money for the Hamper Fund.
Several businesses in Port Hardy have taken on the challenge as well, including the Chamber of Commerce.
Wreath offer at CCCU
Staff at the Port Hardy branch of Coastal Community Credit Union is creating themed Christmas wreaths that will be raffled off before Christmas Day.
Visitors may enter as many times as they like with a toonie donation for each raffle entry.
Keta makes a match
Keta Cable in Port Hardy has offered to match any Hamper Fund cash donations made at its office, up to $500. Also, its technicians will be dispatched to pick up donated items. To schedule a pickup, call 250-949-6109.