Vehicles make their way into Chief Joseph Custer Reserve for a Christmas Hamper from the PAGC. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

HELPING HAND

Over 3,000 Christmas hampers being handed out by PAGC

Dec 19, 2023 | 7:00 AM

Once again, the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) is giving back to the community for Christmas time.

Thousands lined up in their cars along 10 Ave West, stretching down along 28 Street West on Monday for a Christmas hamper provided by the PAGC.

“This year, we’re probably going to have about 3,500 again around the city,” said Vice Chief Chris Jobb who said applications for the hampers filled up quickly.

The hampers will be handed out again on Tuesday at the PAGC’s head office on the Chief Joseph Custer Reserve.

Vehicles line up along 10 Ave West for a Christmas hamper from the Prince Albert Grand Council. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

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It’s not the only time this year the PAGC has given back to the community. Earlier this month, they handed out thousands of jackets, gloves, touques, and mitts to those in need thanks to the hard work of the organization’s Women’s Commission.

Last year, volunteers also donated clothing to Ukrainian newcomers settling in Prince Albert.

Jobb said that knowing that people are being hit hard by inflation and the high cost of living, the PAGC wanted to do what it could to help.

“We’re trying to help the people that are on welfare and really on the bind, that don’t have nothing at all for groceries. We get calls every single day.”

The hampers were open to anyone in the community needing assistance, not just Indigenous residents.

Jobb did point out that they’ve assisted many members of the First Nations that make up the PAGC. He said that many move out of those communities because of a lack of housing.

He noted his home, the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, has around 13,000 members across eight communities but only just over 900 houses.

That was something that Chief Karen Bird addressed shortly after the First Nation declared a State of Emergency earlier this year because of a rise of violence in Pelican Narrows and Deschambault Lake.

She said that although several communities make up the First Nation, they’re still funded as one community.

Despite these challenges, Jobb said they do what they can with the resources they’ve been given to help those, especially around what is supposed to be a festive time of year.

“Sometimes our executive will stand out there to greet the people. They don’t have to do it but do it out of the kindness of their hearts,” he said.

Jobb added that those who did not get their applications in time for a Christmas hamper this year are being put on a list for future hampers.

He had one final message to give to the community of Prince Albert.

“God bless you and your Christmas to your home fires and everyone in Prince Albert.”

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com