Staff, volunteers, dignitaries and even Mr. and Mrs. Claus gathered for the official opening of the Mission Christmas Bureau on Monday.
Roger Dowker, board chair of Mission Community Services welcomed his guests and noted that MCS has been running the Christmas Bureau for 49 years.
“We are not just about toys, we also give food hampers out so I think it’s important to remind people that food hampers are an important component of the Christmas Bureau,” said Dowker.
Mission Mayor Paul Horn spoke at the opening and emphasized the importance of supporting each other.
“I think that we have all come to understand, more than ever, how much it matters for communities to support each other and to give, not only over the last year-and-a-half, but the last week-and-a-half.”
He said people are struggling in our community.
“It truly warms my heart to walk in here and see Santa, because we all need some Christmas – we need the opportunity to have a bit more normal in our Christmas,” said Horn.
Michelle Puffer, executive director of MCS offered a big thank you to all the volunteers at the Christmas Bureau and, all year long at the Food Centre.
“The Christmas Bureau is just a snapshot in time where we have to do a little bit extra, making sure that toys are under trees for kids who would go without normally. But it’s also about food,” said Puffer, adding they have to make extra sure this year that people have food on their tables and toys for their kids.
She said they are on track to have more people registered for assistance than ever before.
Last year, within the first two days of the bureau opening, 15 people registered for assistance. This year 150 people registered in the first two days.
As of Monday 350 applications have been received with many more expected to come in. Organizers expect to surpass last year’s total of 420.
“People need to understand they can come here for help, for food help. Its not just for toys. That’s obviously the fun thing but it’s really about food security and making sure families have food on the table, not just at Christmas but all year round,” said Puffer.
Donations can be dropped off in person at the Mission Christmas Bureau office at 142-32555 London Ave. Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Online donations can also be made, visit missioncommunityservices.com for more information.