T'is the Season

The Christmas Exchange in Ottawa says this is the first time in over a decade where it’s had to create a waiting list of families wanting a dinner hamper. The Mission says it needs 40 to 50 more turkeys this year. And it’s not just an Ottawa thing. Food Bank across Canada say they’re seeing more working poor at the food bank than ever before. They’re asking people to think beyond donating tinned soup and Kraft Dinner, to including baby formula and baby food. (Also, think about donating other less predictable items like fruit jams, tinned mussels, hot sauces and canned vegetables -- spaghetti and tomato sauce can get a bit tedious for any palate.) Many people have theories for why the demand is up. But no one seems to know for sure. My friend Kathy holds a Christmas dinner for friends before we all scatter for the holidays. This year, she asked all dinner guests to donate $15 and all that money will be pooled to the purchase of a Christmas hamper for a family. It’s a good idea. And if more people give, that means the charities can keep more food in their reserves, for the slump in donations that happens in January and February.