The spirit of the holiday season was felt across RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) as students and their families received Christmas Cheer Board hampers filled with care, generosity and community support. 

On Monday, November 24, over 200 hampers were distributed to CNI students at the Exchange District Campus. The event brought together CNI students, staff, volunteers and community partners, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere during a busy and often challenging time of year for many newcomers. 

Each hamper included non-perishable food for families and gifts for children, helping students celebrate the holidays with dignity and comfort. For many recipients, the hampers offered reassurance and relief, reminding them that they are supported as they build new lives in Manitoba. 

Students shared their gratitude and spoke about how meaningful it was to receive support during the holiday season. For families with children, the anticipation of opening gifts added excitement and joy, making the season feel more complete. 

We are deeply grateful to the Christmas Cheer Board for providing hampers for CNI students, making this initiative possible. Special thanks to Red River Messenger/Courier Inc. and Beaver Truck & Leasing for whose generous support ensured the hampers were safely transported from the Christmas Cheer Board to CNI, ready for timely distribution. 

From morning to night, volunteers and staff worked together to organize hampers, greet families with warmth, and create an atmosphere of generosity and community that made the day truly special. Their efforts helped ensure the event ran smoothly and that every student felt welcomed and supported. 

The Christmas Cheer Board hamper distribution is an important initiative at CNI. It reflects the power of partnership, kindness, and community, and highlights how working together can make a meaningful difference in the lives of newcomers during the holiday season. 

As students and their families headed home with their hampers, the true spirit of the season was clear: it’s about feeling supported, welcomed, and connected. This event highlighted what truly matters during the holidays—coming together as a community, sharing kindness, and caring for one another.