WATCH: Rising food prices can make the holidays more difficult. This year, some Edmonton charities are busier than ever. Fletcher Kent reports.
EDMONTON – Three Edmonton charities have joined together to help those in need during the holidays.
The Christmas Bureau, Santas Anonymous and the Edmonton Sun Adopt-A-Teen Program are holding a walk-in event for Edmontonians who can apply for items like food certificates and toys.
The event has changed over the years. A food gift card is now distributed instead of the traditional turkey.
“The face of Edmonton is changing. Everybody has a different tradition at this time of year. Not everybody knows what a turkey is and how to cook a turkey,” says Kowalchuk.
Despite Alberta’s strong economy, the Christmas Bureau says 65,000 Edmontonians in need will be served this holiday season by the Christmas Bureau, Santas Anonymous and the Edmonton Sun Adopt-A-Teen Program.
A rise in the cost of food has been a hindrance for those donating and receiving this year.
“In some cases, with our donors, they’re giving less because of the fact that they are having to pay that extra too.
“And for our clients, for sure they’re not able to buy as much as they used to with the money that we’re provding for them. They’re having to make some tought choices,” says Kowalchuk.
READ MORE: Here’s what’s in store for supermarket prices next year
According to a report from the Food Institute at the University of Guelph, food prices rose 2.8 per cent this year and are expected to jump between 3 and 2.4 per cent in 2015.
People can stop by the walk-in event to apply for assistance between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
There are 250 people are volunteering at the event.
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