The Rotary Club of Edmonton has had a long history of working with and supporting what is now the Christmas Bureau.

Back in 1918 the members decided to make individual contributions to provide Christmas Hampers to needy families. In the first year there were 20 of them whose names were provided by the Salvation Army.

The hampers were paid for by thee individual contributions of members each year. The cost ranged from $400.00 in the beginning to over $3,000.00. The club purchased the contents of the hampers, a turkey, all the food as well as games and books for the children. Each hamper filled a large strong wooden box with handles on each end so the Rotarians could carry it. Members met to pack hampers, first at the Thompson & Dynes store on Jasper Avenue, later at the Cockshutt Plow warehouse and in more recent years at Edmonton Motors.

 

The tradition of sharing continues. Non-denominational and accessible to all, The Christmas Bureau works closely with a number of other organizations to ensure that the money we raise is used effectively without duplication of service. While the process of determining a person's eligibility is a thorough one, it is marked by a spirit of compassion and generosity, respecting his or her dignity, integrity, confidentiality and rights. The Bureau is a registered non-profit society governed by a board of directors and administered by a small staff employed for a portion of the year.

Then other members came in their cars and picked up the boxes and delivered them. by 1970 the number of hampers had risen from 20 to about 130. In the early 70's the complete hamper was replaced by a turkey and a cheque and later by a cheque or gift certificate. In 1978 this was discontinued and instead, individual contributions were made to aid a comparatively small number of needy people either to travel to see their families or for furniture or clothing. In 1979 with considerable regret, the decision was made to bring the activity to an end.

In recent years the tradition of supporting families at Christmas has been revived. Individual members of the Rotary Club of Edmonton are encouraged to support the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton and the Club matches the contributions dollar for dollar up to $5,000.00. This has been a very successful way of both continuing the tradition and supporting families who need a hand at Christmas.

Collections will be taken at the next few Rotary Club meetings.