Member Statement (2 November 2023)

From Hansard (2 November 2023)

 

Operation Christmas Child

Mr. Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It won’t be long and families all over our province will be celebrating Christmas. So it’s a good reminder that the 2023 Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection season is under way.

Mr. Speaker, individuals, families, churches, businesses, sports teams, and community groups are now packing shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items, plus personal notes and photos to be delivered to children in need around the world.

Mr. Speaker, among the organizations around the province that will be doing the same, Bergthaler Mennonite Church in my home community of Warman will be accepting donations during National Shoebox Collection Week from November 13th to 19th. Shoeboxes can also be packed online at packabox.ca.

Mr. Speaker, Operation Christmas Child is an annual initiative of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization that works in more than 100 countries. Last year, Mr. Speaker, Canadians filled more than 415,000 shoeboxes with gifts that shared God’s love and hope with struggling children in West Africa, Central America, Ukraine, and Philippines. Mr. Speaker, since 1993 Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 200 million shoebox gifts in more than 100 countries.

Mr. Speaker, each shoebox that is delivered to drop-off locations throughout the world by November 19th will make a long journey into the arms of children around the world. Operation shoebox will ultimately bring some joy to less fortunate children who need it more than ever. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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