Generosity abounds during the Christmas season, but the time after the holidays can be tough for those in need when there are no more Christmas hampers left.
The Urban Bulldogs Against Kids Abuse (UBAKA) are hoping to fill that gap this year, slightly changing the timing of their yearly fundraiser.
“Right in between the Christmas season where the hampers from the Salvation Army and that have already gone out,” said Ed Stacey, national president for UBAKA. “It is a very hard time for a lot of people just in general.”
Boxes with the UBAKA logo can be found at various locations throughout Penticton including Husky gas stations and Smartshopper to collect non-perishable food items. Some private companies are hosting boxes for their employees as well.
A street pastor works with the Urban Bulldogs to find out which individuals and families to support.
“He deals with a lot of people on the street and the families that don’t have, so we get information from him on the families to help out,” said Stacey.
“Unfortunately at this time of the year a lot of people tend to use the generosity of others for their own personal gains,” Stacey said.
The fundraiser is entering its second year and the Bulldogs are also looking for personal hygiene products, clothing, specifically jackets and socks.
“Socks is a major issue,” Stacey said, noting that many living on the streets are always in dire need of dry socks.
A gathering will take place sometime in January to distribute the much needed items, and items in the boxes will be collected throughout the Christmas season as well. Last year the Urban Bulldogs helped 87 individuals and five families with the donations.
Those looking to drop off donations like clothing and personal hygiene products that may not fit in the boxes can contact the Urban Bulldogs via email at ubakacanada.nh@outlook.com or call Ed Stacey at 250-488-4765.