Hamper Program

For 13 years now the clients and staff of the STARR team have been collecting and distributing hampers for families in need in partnership with the Cridge Centre for the Family. Although Christmas is the “big” time of year for the hampers, the STARR elves are busy all year long fundraising in a number of ways. Throughout the year STARR puts on pizza days and hot dog days at Garth Homer Society, with all proceeds going to the hampers. Additional fundraising comes from 2 vending machines that STARR purchased, which are located at the Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion.  And STARR connects with a number of community partners who are generous with their donations.

This philanthrophic project provides STARR clients with many activities that encourage community integration and skill development.  Every week the clients shop for food and then stock the vending machines.  They also buy pizza and hot dogs for the special lunch days and serve the fun meal up to clients and staff.  Clients also shop for food, toys, clothing and other gifts for the hampers and work on their dexterity while wrapping the gifts for the hampers.

Every Christmas STARR clients and staff load up the “sleigh” and deliver Christmas cheer to 3 or 4 families.  The huge smiles on the faces of those families on Christmas morning are matched only by the smiles on the faces of their STARR "elves"!