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Food Hamper Program sees increased demand in 2000 Build it and they will come. That message rang loud and clear for the hundreds of volunteers who spent weeks before Christmas building about 2,750 emergency food hampers for those in need to enjoy over the holidays. "We completely met the need," said Tony Bender, community services proâ€" gram director at the House of Friendship, organizers of the Christmas â€" Hamper Project. "We had an adeâ€" quate food supply, and the volunteer support was excelâ€" lent. Things went very well." Bender said the number of hampers needed . this Christmas increased â€" by about 200, over the 2,500 packages required in 2000. He said the increase could be attributed to the current slowdown in the economy. "Though this community has not been hit that hard, some people have gone through job loss and other issues," Bender said. By Anorea Baicey Chronicle Staff â€" LoOOKING FOR InvEsTMENT ADvIcE? "As well, the cost of housâ€" ing for the working poor and those on social assistance is a constant issue. A lot of them have no benefits to cover such things as medical expenses. "Whether it‘s by helping to pack food hampers, delivering the hampers, donating food or money, or even baking cookies, people care about helping the less fortunate." â€"Tony Bender House of Friendship community services program director But Bender said part of the growing need continues to be met each year by a very caring community. "People want to help those in need," he said, adding local philanthropy extends beyond _ the Christmas season. "Whether it‘s by helping to pack food hampers, delivâ€" ering the hampers, donating food or money, or even bakâ€" ing cookies, people care about helping the less fortuâ€" nate." Bender said the House of Friendship anticipates the need for emergency food aid through its regular food hamper _ program _ will remain consistent in 2002. Last year about 22,000 hampers were given out through the local program. Bender said that while the number of hampers disâ€" tributed each year fluctuâ€" ates, the organization has not seen fewer than 20,000 hampers prepared â€" and handed out in the last few years. "The need is there yearâ€" round. It‘s a persistent probâ€" lem." â€" Possible solutions, Bender said, would be for the provincial government to raise the minimum wage standard from jts current rate of $6.85, and for all levâ€" els of government to take an active role in pursuing options in affordable housâ€" ing. But unless proactive measures are taken in these areas, Bender said the less fortunate have no choice but to rely on the generosity of the â€"community â€" around them. 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