(file photo/meadowlakeNOW staff)

By Elliott Knopp

RCMP YAC Campaign

Meadow Lake Youth Advisory Committee bringing back holiday campaign

Oct 28, 2021 | 6:46 PM

With the holiday season not too far away, some of the community’s promising young residents are gearing up to get a head start on one of their signature campaigns.

The Meadow Lake RCMP Youth Advisory Committee is preparing to host its second Christmas Community Food Drive. The event brings in donations from all across the community to provide less equipped families with all of the holiday dinner essentials.

Last year’s event was well-received by the community, which has not only led to the return of the campaign, but also seemingly led to more excitement and potential engagement.

Community Program Officer Maryah Walker said the event helps unite the community while providing an opportunity for people to share the holiday spirit.

“I think oftentimes, a lot of people want to help and maybe just don’t know how or don’t have a mechanism to do that,” she said.

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“This really allows us to come together as a community, support individuals and help them. It’s really meaningful anytime we get the chance to get the chance to get back.”

Throughout November, businesses and organizations will support the initiative by acting as a drop-off zone for people to submit their donations to local families.

The Youth Advisory Committee will be approaching these establishments for support with the campaign in the early days of the event, and posts to social media will help spread the word of the drive throughout the community.

Donations can be non-perishable foods, toys, or even gift cards and cash so the Youth Advisory Committee can shop on their behalf and complete the care packages.

Once all of the items have been collected, sorted and gift-wrapped, members of the team will travel door to door, visiting the families in the community that need a little more joy and support through the holidays.

Committee member McKenna McAmmond highlighted the interactions with the families as one of the most rewarding experiences throughout the campaign.

“A lot of the houses that we went to, kids were there, and seeing the look on their faces when there was a police officer in a Santa costume,” she said.

“It was so heartwarming.”

McAmmond said supporting local families at a time of the year where some people may not be as equipped as others is more than a rewarding experience. She explained it also demonstrates how powerful the generous spirit of Meadow Lake can be.

With the Youth Advisory Committee bringing in several new members and the event garnering more attention than it’s inaugural run, McAmmond believes this year’s campaign could have an even bigger turnout.

Families will qualify to receive Christmas care packages through referrals. Anyone who would like to submit a referral can do so by emailing the Youth Advisory Committee at mlrcmpyac@gmail.com.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp