The Kitimat community came together once again to support the Kitimat Christmas Hamper Appeal, raising $73,782.47 to provide holiday hampers for 220 families and sustain the Kitimat Food Bank Society into 2025.
"We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of kindness from individuals, businesses, and organizations," said Luella Froess, publicity chair for the Kitimat Food Bank Society. "This generosity allows us to not only provide hampers for Christmas but also to continue supporting those in need."
The appeal saw significant contributions from businesses, unions, and community members. Unifor Local 2301 donated $9,794.14, while Rio Tinto Alcan (RTA) made the single largest contribution of $10,000. Envision Financial’s Full Cupboard Champions raised $3,482.58, and the Labourers' Advancement Fund added $2,500. Chevron Kitimat LNG gave $3,000, and WSG Energy Services contributed $2,000.
Kyle’s No Frills helped spearhead the "Fill the Cruiser" promotion, collecting $2,059 alongside food and gifts, while the Kitimat Ice Demons raised $2,828.75 at their Dec. 21 game. Many local businesses also stepped up, including Rosario’s Restaurant, Malt Ventures, and High Altitude, each donating $1,500. City Centre Photos with Santa raised $315, and contributions from individuals ranged from $50 to several thousand dollars.
The food bank acknowledged the ongoing support of several local businesses and volunteers. "A special thanks to M. Phelps, J. Scrivens, B&R Willis, L. Godfrey, S. Reeves, S. Rigoni and her elves who sort and wrap all the children’s gifts, and J. Trottier," Froess said. "We couldn’t do this without the support of the entire community."
Recognition was also given to The Northern Sentinel, Pet Valu, Enbridge, JFJV, the District of Kitimat, Snow Valley Skating Club, Demons Hockey Club, WESCO, local schools and churches, as well as RCMP members, food bank volunteers, and businesses such as Kyle’s No Frills and Save-On-Foods for their year-round contributions.
"Thank you all so much for your generosity, this allowed us to fill 220 hampers and to continue to operate throughout 2025. May 2025 bring you good health and much happiness," said Froess.
Community and Business Donations:
- Fill the Cruiser; Kyle's No Frills promotion: $2,059 + food and gifts
- Mountainview Alliance Church: $200
- City Centre Photos with Santa: $315
- Kitimat Ice Demons Game (Dec. 21, 2024): $2,828.75
- Envision Financials' Full Cupboard Champions: $3,482.58 (Includes donations from C. Baum $500, E. Krickan $200, K. Lewis $400, M. Frater $150, D. Duncalf $25, M. Steklenberg $150, Doctors Gottschling and Stevenson $500, T. Shannon $1,000, Dr. E. Feldhoff $250)
- Unifor Local 2301: $9,794.14
- PNG: $500
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers: $600
- RTA: $10,000
- Labourers' Advancement Fund: $2,500
- Chevron Kitimat LNG: $3,000
- WSG Energy Services: $2,000
- Kitimat Kinsmen Club: $200
- LNG Canada: $600
- Ledcor: $650
- Rosario's Restaurant: $1,000
- Malt Ventures: $1,500
- High Altitude: $1,500
- Slabs Fishing Co.: $300
- Dollar Automotive: $200
- Kitimat Chamber Christmas Party: $270
- Murdoch Family: $200
- D&E Carter: $200
- What's In Store: $200
- SL&B Consultants: $250
- Graham Pitzel Remax Coast Mountains: $200
- Annalise Century 21: $500
- Bradley's Bait & Tackle: $300
- MK Bay Marina: $200
- Chilly Dancers: $350
- Overall Tools: $300
- Kitimat Digital: $279
- Fish Whisperer Charters: $200
- Ron's Fishing & Tackle: $400
- Anchor Tire Sales aka Kal Tire Kitimat: $200
- Viking Construction: $200
- Spruce Tree Media: $300
- ABC Industries: $500
- Chop Suey Kitchen: $208
- Carson Metal & HVAC Ltd.: $400
- CIMS Ltd.: $500
- Shoppers Drug Mart Kitimat: $500
- Dalmonte's Woodcraft: $500
- Rats & Friends: $1,500
- Reltek: $300
- Beitz Computers: $300
- Skeena Coach: $200
- Pyramid Office Supply: $200
- KMC Clean Up: $200
- Big Bush Trimming & Mowing: $200
- Kitimat Pentecostal Fellowship: $2,400
Individual Donations:
- G Camazzola: $150
- R Reid: $250
- S Munro: $50
- L Larose: $750
- FWS Winnipeg, MB: $2,865
- T Hansen: $200
- M&T Gunn: $500
- N Snider: $100
- T Riley: $100
- T&M Nyce: $200
- P Anderson: $335
- K Peterson: $335
- H Vilness: $330
- D Meier: $40
- Dr C Feenan: $500
- In Memory of Helen MacDonald: $300
- G Bravo: $300
- J Jeong: $200
- P Geddam: $200
- S Sirapaneni: $200
- M Heikkila: $50
Anonymous Donations:
- $250, $40, $29, $15, $60, $250, $50
Total funds raised: $73,782.47
