PREECEVILLE — The Preeceville and District Filling the Gap has a new name, Assiniboine River Hope Mission (ARHM) The group still operates on the same basics, with some unique differences, as Filling the Gap.
The request for food and donations for its Christmas food hampers program had collection boxes set up at various locations. The hampers were filled with care and love by volunteers at its new location on Dec. 8 and 9. Hampers were picked up by individuals who had requested one.
“For many of us, Christmas is truly a wonderful time of year; however, for some families, their financial situation means that there is no extra money for Christmas celebrations," stated Biccum. "In our area, we have the annual Christmas Hamper program, which is a joint project of Assiniboine River Hope Mission, the Preeceville and District Ministerial Association, and surrounding communities.
"This year we helped 40 families and provided gifts to children under the age of 12 years,” she said.
"Support from businesses, individuals, and service groups is what makes it all happen. The Mission runs entirely on donations, and it’s amazing to watch all the food, toys, and money come in. We also accept all monetary donations. The program has been operating for numerous years and has helped many community members during the Christmas season."
The Emergency Hampers program is also an all-year-long program that collects food and gives out hampers to the needy all year long. It provides a welcome source to everyone who requires a helping hand.
“Our mission isn't a place, it's a battle against hunger. It's a movement of people helping people to bring freedom from hunger and hopelessness. A statement we have adopted as our goal/mission/purpose is: to alleviate hunger today and eliminate it for the future. We pursue this through giving of ourselves and being good stewards of the incredible generosity of our communities. It is our joy to believe and live that it is more blessed to give than receive,” said Brad Steppan, one of the members.
“We have been in existence since the 1990's and our mission has never wavered. We function throughout the year, delivering emergency hampers on a weekly basis with a special 'push' at Christmas, where Christmas Hampers are delivered along with gifts. Our service includes all those living in and around Buchanan, Endeavour, Hazel Dell, Hinchcliffe, Ketchen, Lady Lake, Okla, Preeceville, Rama, Rockford, Stenen, Sturgis and Usherville.
“The new place graciously donated by the Preeceville branch of the Gateway Co-op has been a huge overwhelming benefit. The added space of an office space as well as the numerous spacious shelves, has been a huge blessing. The volunteers have played a huge part. The generosity from volunteers and from the community has been overwhelming. There was a time in the past we didn’t know where we were getting food from but this year has been huge. There has been a change in monetary donations as well with more people donating money. We are so thankful for all the support with our move to a new location and with all the food and donations collected,” said Steppan.
