Amazon Delivers Holiday Cheer to Over 200 Families in Winnipeg

Amazon partnered with Ma Mawi Whi Chi Itata to deliver holiday hampers and children’s toys to over 200 families in Winnipeg on December 9, 2023. Volunteers braved freezing temperatures to fill hampers with essential food items and gifts, ensuring that families in need received support during the holiday season.

The event took place at R.B. Russell School, where dozens of volunteers, including staff from Amazon, worked diligently to prepare the hampers. This initiative marked the 24th annual Christmas hamper drive organized by Ma Mawi, a community organization focused on supporting Indigenous families.

Hassan Oyelaja, operations manager for Amazon Manitoba, expressed the company’s commitment to community support, stating, “Our goal is to help and support the community as best as we can. We’re always looking to donate and do things like this, especially around the holiday season.”

To assist in this effort, Amazon donated $5,000 to Ma Mawi, which allowed the organization to purchase approximately 700 gifts for children. Marion McKenzie, program support director at Ma Mawi, noted the growing need for toys, highlighting that the number of children needing assistance has increased in recent years.

In a report released in November 2023, the non-profit organization Campaign 2000 revealed alarming statistics about child poverty in Manitoba. The report indicated that the province has the highest rates of child poverty among youth under 18 and those under six, with 41.6% of First Nations children in Manitoba living in poverty.

Ma Mawi prioritizes children’s needs in its programming, which has led the organization to stretch its budget to meet increasing demands. McKenzie remarked, “It’s what we do as Indigenous people. When families are in crisis and they need help, that’s just what we do. It’s just a natural way of doing work.”

Volunteers like John, who has been involved with Ma Mawi for over 15 years, shared his feelings about the impact of the event. “It’s nice to see the toys and stuff going up to the kids. It feels good,” he said.

The Christmas hamper drive not only brings essential supplies to families but also fosters a sense of community during the holiday season. The collaborative effort between Amazon and Ma Mawi demonstrates the power of corporate responsibility and community engagement, aiming to make a difference in the lives of those facing economic challenges.

As the drive continues to grow, the hope is to reach even more families in the coming years, ensuring that no child goes without a present during the holidays. The commitment shown by volunteers and organizations like Amazon and Ma Mawi underscores the importance of giving back and supporting those in need.