On the Beat with Constable Ryan Fleming
By Constable Ryan Fleming
Like many groups, Covid-19 has had an impact on the team at Operation Christmas Hampers.
This time each year we are busy out on the streets getting donations of food, Christmas treats and presents for families in need. Many organisations have collection boxes and it is a lot of fun being together collecting donations.
Sadly, this year we have had to adapt in the ever-changing environment that is the Covid-19 restrictions. Even if we are in a position to scramble and begin our collection drives, there is no guarantee that we can safely meet together and package up the hampers. The risk and uncertainty is too high. To that end, in the spirit of improvise, adapt and overcome we have changed up how we are going to deliver. We won’t let Covid beat us.
Throughout the year the team has been busy soliciting donations from a number of generous business who want to help. These donations will be put to good use with vouchers for supermarkets (not redeemable for tobacco or alcohol).
It is not entirely what we intended, my favourite part of the Operation is when we supply a large amount of roast meals for families but sadly circumstances have dictated we do it this way.
I have been asked by many people from the community how they can help. This year, we are asking people to help by setting up a collection point at the workplace.
Christmas is normally a stressful time for many but this year with the looming spectre of social restrictions, now more than ever we need your help
