With Remembrance Day having come and gone for another year, people around Saint John are wasting no time getting into the holiday season. It means a busy couple of weeks ahead for retailers, charities, and residents as everyone works to best prepare themselves for time with family and friends. That includes the Saint John police, who on Thursday launched their sixth annual Holiday in a Box campaign. “The holiday in a box campaign is about supporting people in our community who may be facing a difficult holiday season,” says Saint John Police Acting Chief Neil Fowler. “Throughout my career in policing, I’ve seen firsthand how a simple act of kindness can make a real difference in someone’s life.” The annual campaign supports five different non-for-profit organizations in the city by filling shoeboxes with essential items for those less fortunate. Suggested items include basic toiletries, gift cards, and other essential items. Last year the campaign collected 650 boxes and 270 gift cards. The campaign runs until Dec. 15, with donations being dropped off directly at the force’s office uptown. ONE Change Inc., a grassroots organization that helps serve Saint John’s old north end, is one of the beneficiaries of the program. Executive director Tamara Kelly says the boxes given to them are distributed to those who may not have much to look forward to over the holidays. “A lot of people we don’t realize are alone, and there are only connections are maybe through a community centre or maybe through a socialization group,” says Kelly. “Just getting something and not being forgotten or overlooked can just make somebody’s Christmas and can make somebody’s day.” For many non-for-profits like ONE Change Inc., the next few weeks are the busiest time of year when it comes to donations. Kelly calls the time of year “hectic” but in a good way. It’s not just charities that see an uptick this time of year, but also retailers as people look to find the perfect gift for someone in their life. Retail analyst Bruce Winder says the popular items heading into the season include electronics and toys. He also suspects people may not be spending as much this holiday given the increasing cost of living. “I would say look around for sales,” he advises. “A lot of this is common sense but make a list of what you need. Make a list of the people on your list, ask yourself, do you need to put as many people on your list? Can you talk to people? Can you set a gift limit for this year if you’re struggling and then on a spreadsheet or a piece of paper just write down how much you want to spend per person.” Winder says the next few weeks is among the most important time of year for retailers, with those specializing in the gift giving side of merchandise making upwards of 60 per cent of their yearly sales over a few weeks that helps them in the slower months post-Christmas. As for when residents start getting into the holiday spirt, Olivia Calder picked up a fresh batch of wrapping paper Thursday. “Right now,” she says when asked when she gets into the holiday sport. “The shopping is already done.” “Right after the service on Remembrance Day,” laughs Sue Coates when asked the same question. “I’ve already decorated outside and I got the house started, so I’ve got a good start on everything.” For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
