Saskatoon Public Schools helps deliver Thanksgiving Cheer Crates to help out cash-strapped families
Hundreds of students and their families will get a hand this Thanksgiving weekend thanks to the Canpotex Cheer Crate campaign, put on by The Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation.
Volunteers got together on Wednesday to put the giving in Thanksgiving by filling shopping bags with essentials for the upcoming long weekend.
With more families struggling in our community than ever, the need is increasing each year for the care packages, and organizers are committed to meet the need.
“Because we know that kids aren't in school. and that's a lot of times where they get support for nutrition or sometimes even extra socks, and so we are able to provide that thanks to the generous donors,” Zeba Ahmad, CEO of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation, told CTV News.
The Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation has been sending out these cheer crates since 2020, starting during the pandemic when families were sent home. In the 5 years the campaign has run, 10,000 families have received a cheer crate.
This year, three bags are being sent to each recipient household.
“In the first 2 bags there are eggs and fresh buns, turkey meat, vegetables, cheese and milk. Our third bag has toothbrushes and deodorant, shampoo, books, all kinds of things. There are also toques as well, because we know, the cold weather is coming,” Ahmad says.
The space was provided by the Hugh Cairns Armoury, and members of the 38 Combat Engineer Regiment were on hand to pitch in.
Zeba Ahmad, CEO of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation (Carla Shynkaruk / CTV News)
Canpotex is the corporate sponsor, among others in the community who provide financial support, transport vehicles, donations and volunteer their time.
“It’s a well-oiled machine. I got here, immediately got told where to be and how to help. I think it's very important to our community and to anyone who needs a helping hand,” said Stephanie Cherry, Canpotex volunteer.
About 750 families will get a hand this Thanksgiving, but with over 850 applying, some had to be turned away. Organizers are already looking to the next event so they can fill the growing need, according to Ahmad.
“We're pretty unapologetic in our determination to support students and families.”
Ahmad says they have solid sponsors and donors behind them.
The entire packing and delivery production is pulled off in one day, with bags being sent home with students at the end of the school day.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Who should lead the Liberals? 'None of the above,' poll finds
As questions loom over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership, a new Nanos Research poll commissioned for CTV News says a quarter of Canadians say none of the potential candidates appeal to them.
U.S. Justice Department brings criminal charges in Iranian murder-for-hire plan targeting Donald Trump
The U.S. Justice Department on Friday disclosed an Iranian murder-for-hire plot to kill Donald Trump, charging a man who said he had been tasked by a government official before this week's election with planning the assassination of the Republican president-elect.
Canada rent report: What landlords are asking tenants to pay
Average asking rents declined nationally on a year-over-year basis for the first time in more than three years in October, said a report out Thursday.
N.S. school 'deeply sorry' for asking service members not to wear uniforms at Remembrance Day ceremony
An elementary school in the Halifax area has backed away from a request that service members not wear uniforms to the school's Remembrance Day ceremony.
48,584 space heaters recalled in Canada after burn injury in U.S.
Health Canada has announced a recall for electric space heaters over potential fire and burn risks, a notice published Thursday reads.
Israeli soccer fans were attacked in Amsterdam. The violence was condemned as antisemitic
Israeli fans were assaulted after a soccer game in Amsterdam by hordes of young people apparently riled up by calls on social media to target Jewish people, Dutch authorities said Friday. Five people were treated at hospitals and dozens were arrested after the attacks, which were condemned as antisemitic by authorities in Amsterdam, Israel and across Europe.
'Big frustration': How a limited MAID window affects Alzheimer's patients
A move by Quebec to allow a person with a serious and incurable illness like Alzheimer's to request MAID months or years before their condition leaves them unable to consent has been met with praise, confusion and criticism.
Winnipeg teacher who faces voyeurism charge now accused of sexually assaulting former student
A Winnipeg teacher previously charged with voyeurism and a number of other offences has been charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a former student.
Beyonce leads the 2025 Grammy noms, becoming the most nominated artist in the show's history
Welcome to Beyonce country. When it comes to the 2025 Grammy Award nominations, 'Cowboy Carter' rules the nation.