The spirit of giving is in full effect at Garth Homer Society.
For the last twelve months, participants in the STARR community inclusion program have delivered newspapers and collected refundables in order to share their holiday spirit with local families. Their efforts cover the cost of a hamper brimming with gifts, groceries, and a full holiday meal for two families this year.
“There’s a lot of excitement and pride in the hamper project,” says Jillian Manning, STARR team coordinator. “Our team members are so happy to be helping in the community.”
Now in its tenth year, the holiday hamper project is just one of the ways the STARR team supports others, with volunteer placements through Saanich Volunteer Services, Quadra Community Center, and churches, among others.
The STARR program facilitates experiences for people with developmental disabilities and higher needs who benefit from extra support. Team members focus on building confidence, setting goals, and fulfilling deep desires for belonging and making a positive contribution.
Garth Homer Society CEO Geoffrey Ewert says the hamper program creates opportunities for STARR team members to lend their support to the community.
“Knowing there are some families who are going without really grabs the attention of many of the people we support and they want to do something about it,” he says.
The hamper project is a great illustration of the many ways STARR team members give back, Jillian says.
“They’re out there all year round, fulfilling many volunteer placements, and there’s so much involvement in the community,” she says. “But the hamper project encompasses everything we do here in one big moment. This is the big one, and it’s beautiful.”
