Veronica Merasty started an online adopt-a-family campaign, which fed 80 families before Christmas. (Facebook/Roni Merasty)

By Derek Cornet

donations

Nearly 400 food hampers delivered in tri-communities before Christmas

Jan 4, 2022 | 2:34 PM

Residents of the tri-communities shouldn’t have gone hungry during the holidays due to numerous efforts during December.

In all, more than 400 food hampers were distributed from multiple sources including 240 from the Kikinahk Friendship Centre, 50 from Jim Brady Local 19 and 40 from the Lac La Ronge Food Bank. Another 80 families were adopted in the lead up to Christmas because of efforts from local resident Veronica Merasty and Lac La Ronge Indian Band households were also eligible for a turkey.

The online campaign organized by Merasty raised more than $5,200 from individuals and businesses.

“I didn’t think it was going to take off the way it did and I was so shocked,” she said. “It kind of snowballed and exploded the day after my post. So many people came forward and, when I challenged the businesses to come forward to help out, I was getting $500 donations. It inspired me to keep going and going.”

Merasty explained if another adopt-a-family campaign is organized for next Christmas, she would make several changes such as forming a committee. She noted the campaign was time consuming and others could help with making it more manageable, as well as provide ideas and respond to online feedback.

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Merasty would also consider partnering with another organization to increase the size of hampers or solely provide a gift card to families to purchase their own groceries.

The adopt-a-family campaign features turkey, ham, gift cards, toys and many other items. (Facebook/Roni Merasty)

“There was a few other people who approached me and tell me so and so already got hampers from the band and Kikinahk and so on,” she added. “I said I’m not going to worry about that right now this year because these are just nominations that are coming from the community. They most likely got nominated for a specific reason.”

There were also issues like families who were adopted not receiving a hamper from their adoptee. If the campaign is repeated, Merasty said there would need to be a way to ensure everyone who makes a commitment follows through to make sure the operation is legitimate.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno