23 Days of Christmas campaign launches in support of Meals on Wheels

New routes have been added because more and more seniors are struggling to make ends meet.

“The most expensive meal we charge is $12.75. It costs us at minimum $13 to make any meal, so regardless, we’re losing money, which means, ultimately, we rely on donations. If we end the year with a deficit, we just end the year with a deficit and we try to make up for it where we can,” says Cook.

She jokes that it is “not the best business model,” but they are in the business of helping people.

Amy Cook on the support shown from the community for Meals on Wheels and the 23 Days of Christmas campaign.

Cook adds that the prices for the Meals on Wheels service have not increased in “quite a while” because she knows that if they do, people will simply go without food.

That is why she says programs like the 23 Days of Christmas are so crucial, as they allow them to continue to help seniors in need.

The fundraiser is in its 17th year, and Ryan Miller, president of Teamwork Training Ltd., says he is astounded by the support they have already seen.

Businesses can sponsor one of the 23 days by donating either $500 or $1,000. As of the campaign launch on Dec. 1, a total of 24 companies had already signed on as sponsors, and they are now filling up days into January.

Miller says he is a strong believer in investing in the communities in which he does business, and that is why he continues to put this on every year.

Ryan Miller on the importance of giving back.

However, while he and his team are responsible for organizing the program, Miller says they are not ultimately responsible for its success.

“A ton of those kudos go out ot those organizations that step up and make their day,” says Miller. They each own a day, and they’re the ones writing the cheque for that day and making the donation. We’re just the facilitators – the real true community heroes in this are the people and the organizations that are sponsoring every day.”

Dozens of businesses have already signed up to sponsor this year’s 23 Days of Christmas campaign. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

One of the returning sponsors is Cupper’s Coffee & Tea.

Manager Nancy Graham says this is a very important initiative for the community, and she is happy to once again do her part to help out.

“I think the awareness that this develops and brings out, and the fact that we talk about it the entire Christmas season, really helps,” explains Graham. “I think a lot of people don’t truly register how many people use this service. If you know someone, then you obviously know about it, but there’s a lot of people who really really need it, and this is one or two hot meals a day that they wouldn’t get otherwise.”

Individuals who would like to donate to the campaign can go to Cupper’s Coffee & Tea and purchase a $30 Christmas “Gift” card.

Your $30 will go directly to the 23 Days of Christmas, but Cupper’s will throw in $30 worth of products that includes a free one-pound bag of locally-brewed coffee, as well as one free hot drink.

The goal for this year’s campaign is to raise $26,000.

They have brought in more than $374,000 over the last 16 years, meaning that if they hit the 2025 goal, that will bring them to a new milestone of $400,000.

Gifts for those who purchase a $30 Christmas “Gift” card from Cupper’s Coffee & Tea for the 23 Days of Christmas campaign. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

by David Opinko

23 Days of Christmas campaign launches in support of Meals on Wheels

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