Community Spirit Shines Bright on Christmas Day
While most stores were quiet on Christmas Day, a small wave of generosity moved through Squamish, B.C. A once-bustling grocery store that was shut for the holiday became the unlikely hub for a community fundraising effort. The store’s leadership and volunteers transformed a day of closure into a day of giving, proving that the spirit of the season can thrive even when doors are closed.
How the Plan Took Shape
Devon Crane, the store manager at Stong’s Market, explained the idea began with a simple question: how can the business support its neighbors when it isn’t open for shoppers? The answer was both practical and heartfelt. Rather than hosting a traditional in-store drive, the team coordinated a holiday fundraiser that relied on donations from locals and support from area organizations. The goal was to raise money for people in need in the community, ensuring that the festive season didn’t pass without assistance reaching those who needed it most.
Engaging the Community
Community members were invited to contribute at a central collection point near the store’s entrance. Volunteers—many of them regular customers, school groups, and local service clubs—set up donation boxes and shared information about where the funds would go. The campaign emphasized transparency, with volunteers posting real-time updates on social media about totals tallied and people helped. Even on a holiday when people typically rest and celebrate with family, the town showed up, demonstrating that acts of kindness can start a chain reaction that benefits many families facing tough winters.
Where the Money Went
The funds raised on Christmas Day were earmarked for immediate relief — food vouchers for families, emergency grocery assistance, and essential household items for seniors living on fixed incomes. Organizers collaborated with local nonprofit groups to identify households most in need and to distribute aid quickly and respectfully. The approach underscored a practical ethic: give people what they need most in the moment, whether that’s a hot meal, groceries, or help with a bill that could keep a roof over their heads during the chilly months in coastal British Columbia.
A Transparent and Respectful Process
Crane stressed the importance of accountability. “We wanted to make sure people understood exactly how the funds would be used and that the process respected their dignity,” he said. To that end, organizers posted monthly reports, shared summaries with donors, and coordinated with partner organizations to verify the impact of each donation. The transparency not only built trust but also encouraged ongoing participation from residents who might want to contribute again in the future.
Voices from the Community
Feedback from residents echoed a common theme: the Christmas Day fundraiser turned an otherwise quiet day into a moment of shared responsibility. One volunteer spoke about meeting a family in need who appreciated the vouchers and essentials, while another mentioned how a local student group used the event as a real-world lesson in civic engagement. The sense of connection extended beyond the physical donations; it helped remind people that neighborly care is a collective effort that endures beyond the holiday season.
What This Means for Squamish
Squamish has long prided itself on strong community ties, and this Christmas Day initiative reinforced that identity. It showed that even a store closed for a holiday can become a catalyst for generosity, bringing together residents, volunteers, and local organizations in a shared mission: ensuring that nobody in the community faces the Christmas season without some support. Local officials acknowledged the effort as a model for future “closed-day” charity drives, encouraging other businesses to consider similar partnerships that respect staff time while maximizing community impact.
Looking Ahead
As the town collects its holiday memories, organizers are planning to build on the momentum. They hope to establish a year-round fund that can respond quickly to emergencies, with a portion of future donations dedicated to ongoing food security initiatives. In the meantime, the Christmas fundraiser at the now-quiet entrance of Stong’s Market stands as a testament to Squamish’s generous spirit: a community willing to give back when it matters most, even when doors are closed.
