A group of Winnipeg students got to experience the power of helping out at a time when more people than ever are in need in the city.

“It’s very good that we are doing this as young children because it shows how responsible we can be and help others,” said Afolabi Ajaoii, one of several students who participated in Christmas Cheer on Thursday Winnipeg Board.

By sorting donations and checking what community members contributed, the group of students worked hard to make sure no one in the city went without this holiday season.

Student Bradley Holfeld says it’s work he’s happy to do. “It’s really cool and it’s cool that people can eat this winter.”

Applications for Cheer Board baskets are already on the rise just a week after they opened, with the organization seeing a 20% increase in 2024 – with 5,000 applications in the first few days, compared to around 4,200 last year.

As her students lined a row of tables filled with food, Diana Daoust, a teacher at General Vanier School, said these types of experiences are just as valuable as those students have in the classroom.

“A real-life example like this will stick with these students long after they have forgotten the math I taught them,” she said.

Shawna Bell, executive director of Winnipeg’s Christmas Cheer Board, said the students’ youthful energy is welcome during the busy season.

“Our volunteers love it when kids pack here,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun and they can kind of enjoy the magic of the season through the kids’ eyes.”

In addition to sorting food and preparing baskets, students also got to put their Christmas cooking skills to the test by decorating Smile Cookies.

Indeed, 2024 is the first year the Cheer Board will partner with Tim Hortons for the campaign, with 100 percent of the profits split between the Cheer Board and the Tim Hortons Foundation camps.

“If we can do just a little bit to bring some food and some joy, that’s why we’re here,” said Nazli Sharma, executive director of the William Kent Family Group.

Bell says as demand continues to increase, the organization is seeking donations in the form of toys, money and food, as well as volunteer hours, adding that the Cheer Board is ready to show up at the height.

“We added more food this year, it was primary, and we also started working with other organizations to try to really expand these baskets, making sure that everyone who needs one gets a basket.” , Bell said.

“There are so many families in need during the holidays.

“When we were able to help them at such a stressful time of year, it gives them a little opportunity to breathe and know that their children and families will have food at home and gifts to unwrap during the holidays.” »