Online nominations a huge success for Whitecourt Christmas Hamper donations

The Whitecourt Christmas Hamper, a non-profit with a 52-year legacy, is brightening the
holidays for 113 families this year, up from 99 last year. A total of 244 children will
benefit, thanks to the support of volunteers, local businesses, and the community.
As one of five Ambassador Locations, RE/MAX leverages social media to boost
donations, going above and beyond with their annual Local Business Challenge on
Facebook.
The challenge kicks off with a Facebook post from RE/MAX where they announce their
nominees and encourage them to join in on the fun. Participants are invited to donate
new, unwrapped toys and then challenge at least two other local businesses to do the
same, creating a chain reaction of generosity throughout the community.
RE/MAX celebrates every donation on their Facebook page with a post showcasing the
donor, their contribution, and the businesses they’ve invited to participate. This
approach not only fosters goodwill but also shines a spotlight on local businesses
reminding residents of the companies that step up to support their neighbours.
Brian Ames, owner of RE/MAX Whitecourt, shared the story behind this amazing
challenge. “We started an Excel spreadsheet the first year we started the Small
Business Challenge [2022]. That first year we had 159 businesses step up. Nothing
small about that! We wanted to drop the word ‘small,’ and now it’s called the Local
Business Challenge,” Ames said. “It’s all about supporting local, those in need, and
those who have businesses in our community. Maybe next time you buy tires or get
your accounting done you’ll think of that business that brought in toys.”
This year, 134 businesses participated in the Local Business Challenge filling the
RE/MAX lobby with toys and lining the hallways with even more. Whitecourt’s
businesses are proving that the holiday spirit is both alive and thriving.