Over the years, The City of Airdrie has been an invaluable supporter of the Airdrie 1^st Club Christmas Hamper Program. (Formerly the Airdrie Lioness Club) Many different departments of the Municipal employees have come together to support the program with volunteering, sponsoring a family and collecting special items.  The Airdrie 1^st Club has been given the use of the old Firehall for many years.  This ideal space was used to collect the items for the hampers, organize and distribute them.  Here, groups of volunteers could come together to help with this assembly.

Employees from Airdrie Fire, RCMP, EMS and Municipal Enforcement have come together to put on an annual Siren’s Hockey Game. This event has been a fun community event that has raised funds and donations for the Christmas Hampers, with a little friendly competition as well.

 Perhaps one of the most notable presences at past Hamper distribution days has been the City leader, Mayor Peter Brown.  On distribution day for the past 11 years, Mayor Brown has been right there working alongside our club members. Other City Officials have attended on distribution days as well.

 We spoke with Mayor Brown and Councilor Tina Petrow to find out more about the importance of Airdrie 1^st Club’s work within the City.  Mayor Brown and Councilor Petrow expressed that they both appreciated participating in Hamper Distribution because it fosters compassion, fun, community spirit and gives back to those in need.  Councilor Petrow, was moved to tears at how a small act of kindness, such as watching a child receive a gingerbread house, brought so much joy to an entire family.

The City is excited and happy to assist with future Airdrie 1^st Club’s Christmas Hamper Programs.