If you were at the annual Squamish Loggers’ Sports Kettle Boil Challenge and Lumberjack Chilli Cook-Off on July 31, chances are you saw Santa and Mrs Claus make a surprise appearance.
Bringing a bit of Christmas spirit in July, the two jolly folks in red made a special stop off to help raise awareness and donations for the Squamish Food Bank—The Market.
Locals Melanie Bradley and Christine McLeod, together with five local youth, organized what they hope will be a new tradition during the festival.
The idea was sparked after Community Christmas Care received a $1,000 community microgrant from the Squamish Youth Council in May.
For a $5 donation, attendees were able to move two cans of beans and crushed tomatoes into Santa’s golf cart and then were able to get a photo with the jolly couple after.
Close to 1,000 tins of canned goods were stacked with an end result of $2,700 in food, grocery cards and cash raised for the Squamish Food Bank.
“I was delighted to be a recipient of this microgrant. Highlighting the food bank and Community Christmas Care at a time they aren’t top of mind seemed like a great direction to build on,” Bradley said in a press release.
“Nesters [Market] Squamish and the Jim Pattison Group donated the tins of beans and tomatoes, and the Squamish Youth Council grant allowed us to purchase grocery gift cards. All told, the event raised cash, gift cards and food for the Christmas in July event.”
Participant Kirby Brown said he was thrilled for his kids to take part in a community event and help make a difference for those in need.
"As a dad, this was an easy way for my kids to contribute to their community and it generated some good discussion about the cost of food and that not everyone has enough of it each day,” he said in the press release.
The following day, all cans were donated to the local food bank.
In 2024, Squamish Helping Hands served and delivered almost 42,000 meals on-site, close to 53, 00 school breakfasts and almost 3,000 Meals on Wheels to local seniors.
