Carrying forward the gift of giving at Christmas

By Lethbridge Herald on December 6, 2025.

Rachael Harder
member of Parliament for Lethbridge

Christmas began with the greatest gift ever given—a baby who would save humanity. When He was born, wise men traveled great distances to honour Him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Since that day, Christians around the world have fostered a spirit of generosity and kindness to commemorate His birth. The holiday season has come to be known as a “season of giving,” a time when family and friends exchange gifts, whether carefully chosen for someone special or shared in a light-hearted game of gift swapping.

Yet this season calls for generosity that extends beyond our homes and social circles. Across Canada, many rely on food banks and charitable organizations, which in turn rely on the generosity of Canadians to meet the needs of those struggling. 

Sadly, in these economically uncertain times, many families are facing real hardship. I hear regularly from parents skipping meals to ensure their children eat, and from elderly or disabled people who are forced to choose between food and medication or rent. 

Rising costs mean that putting food on the table is harder than ever. According to Canada’s Food Price Report, a family of four could pay nearly $1,000 more for groceries next year—a stark reminder of the pressures facing our communities.

At times like these, the generosity of our neighbours matters more than ever. Every act of kindness—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply helping someone in need—makes a tangible difference. Lethbridge is fortunate to be home to some of the most active and generous individuals and organizations in the country. In 2022, our city was recognized as one of Canada’s most charitable cities. 

Today, people and groups across our community continue to demonstrate what true compassion looks like: stepping up, giving generously, and ensuring no one is left behind. By working together, we can ensure that everyone in Lethbridge feels the warmth and hope of the season.

Local organizations illustrate the profound impact of community generosity. Last month, the Interfaith Food Bank was recognized as one of Canada’s top ten food banks for the value created per dollar spent. With essentials like baby formula having risen 84 per cent since 2017, initiatives such as their baby bundles equip parents with what they need to care for their infants. The Lethbridge Food Bank and the Veterans Association Food Bank continue similar vital work, ensuring no one goes hungry.

The Shop of Wonders offers another inspiring example. Many parents want to give their children a special gift at Christmas, but for some, this is financially out of reach. Shop of Wonders provides a no-cost, dignified shopping experience that allows struggling families to make the holidays memorable for their children. Streets Alive Mission and the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen serve those without homes, ensuring the most vulnerable are cared for.

This list of food banks, care centres, soup kitchens, faith groups, and charitable organizations could go on and on, each one a lifeline for someone in need. But their success depends on the generosity of our community.

This season, I encourage everyone who can, to step forward. Whether it is donating food, offering financial support, volunteering your time, or spreading the word about local initiatives, every act of kindness matters. Christmas began with a gift that changed the world. Today, we have the opportunity to carry forward that spirit by sharing what we can with those who need it most.

Let us continue to be a community that looks out for one another, that steps up, and that shows, especially in challenging times, that the generosity of Lethbridge remains strong.