Horizon School Division Aids 147 Families in Holiday Hamper Project

Horizon School Division has successfully completed its annual Christmas Hamper Project, providing vital support to 147 families and 368 children throughout the division during the 2025 holiday season. Now in its twelfth year, this initiative showcases the remarkable generosity of students, staff, families, trustees, and community partners.

Community Spirit Shines Bright

Each child involved in the project received a wrapped gift, a book, sweet treats, and essential winter clothing items, including mitts, toques, and scarves. In addition, families were given a $300 grocery gift certificate to assist with holiday meals. Other contributions included hygiene products, handmade quilts, fresh farm eggs, bags of potatoes, hand-beaded ornaments, and various donated items, as detailed in a news release by the Horizon School Division.

Jesse Green, the communications officer for Horizon, noted, “The 2025 project is expected to exceed $65,000 in total value, not including the significant contribution of donated goods and services. While Horizon’s website recognizes financial and in-kind donors, it cannot fully reflect the level of volunteerism and community spirit behind the initiative.”

Kevin Garinger, the director of education, remarked on the profound impact of community involvement, stating, “The heart of this project is our community. It’s inspiring to see people come together to make the holidays brighter for families. Every gift and every volunteer hour shows that people care.”

Longstanding Commitment to Support

Since its inception in 2014, the Christmas Hamper Project has provided support to 1,558 families and 4,086 children. Although hampers are delivered in December, the planning and fundraising efforts occur year-round. Horizon School Division actively welcomes both financial and in-kind donations to bolster future projects.

The successful completion of the Christmas Hamper Project highlights the unwavering spirit of generosity and community collaboration that defines the Horizon School Division. As the initiative continues to grow, it remains a testament to the power of collective effort in enhancing the lives of families during the holiday season.