Christmas Hamper Party – Victoria BC

I was first introduced to the concept of a Christmas Hamper Party when I met Joyce Kline and Peter Such in 2009.  They’ve been hosting them, first in Toronto and then in Victoria, for over 15 years.  The idea is simple – the holiday party or open house becomes an opportunity for everyone to contribute, as they are able, to Christmas hampers for people who would do without.  Joyce has established a shopping list that includes every item needed to make a turkey dinner for a family.

Welcome!

As a participant, it doesn’t matter if you come with a couple of cans of cranberry sauce, or a large monetary donation; together, collectively, we are able to do much more than alone.  The idea has really taken off, and the number of hampers provided has increased significantly in the last few years.

Joyce Kline and Peter Such – gracious hosts

Joyce’s essay “The Best Christmas Party? Making Food Hampers For Families in Need” on how to host a hamper party appeared in the Globe and Mail recently, and now there are Christmas hamper parties in several other cities.

Good organization is key!


Dry goods in the Pantry

Hamper Assembly in the Dining Room

Portioning treats, vegetables, fruit: in the Great Room

Experienced elves teach newcomers the ropes

Not everyone will have a 16 room heritage bed and breakfast to stage their own hamper party, and not everyone has the same circle of friends, but start small, and perhaps, like Joyce and Peter’s, your hamper party will be providing a wonderful Christmas dinner for 158 families.

And the end result: 158  hampers down the steps to the street

Save the date for next year!

About @lacouvee

Community Builder. Catalyst. Speaker. Writer. Arts Advocate.

Passionate about bridging online and offline communities to effect positive change.

I truly believe that one person can make a difference and that we all have our own lives to live, creatively, while respecting the unique nature of others.

Comments

  1. We love this hamper party and have been contributing since we were married at Joyce and Peter’s house in 2006. They no longer do weddings, and we are so glad to be part of something ongoing. We always have a moment to pause on the spot where we were wed, then on to loading hampers! Such a great way to do something for the broader community at this time of year.

    Thanks for writing about this terrific couple and their generosity.

    • Happy New Year Ellen! I’m sorry to have missed you at this year’s hamper party. It’s become a part of my traditions too!

  2. hello is there any hampers still available? didnt want to ask but circumstances are looking tough this year

    • Sorry for the late reply. I’ve been away from the blog for a few days. The hampers are distributed through the Salvation Army – it would be best to contact them directly.

Trackbacks

  1. […] Make sure to take a look at Gary McKinstry’s beautiful photographs of the Victoria Christmas Hamper Party here. Janis Lacouvee also took some photos and wrote a blog post about the party, which you can read here. […]

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