Winnipeg woman aims to brighten families' holidays with donations of Christmas trees, decorations
Kimberley Kabel encourages others to 'give what you can … to make a difference in somebody's lives'
Kimberley Kabel is working to brighten the holiday season for some Winnipeg families by helping them get Christmas trees and decorations.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Kabel saw people in her St. James neighbourhood struggling to buy things for the festivities.
"I found out some families weren't going to have a Christmas tree or any decorations, and that broke my heart because Christmas starts with a tree. I have grandchildren, and I know what a tree means to them," said Kabel.
She put a few posts on her community social media pages asking for donations of trees and decorations for families in need.
"The response was incredible. People wanted to help with these miracles, so in came the trees … and it started growing from there."
Now, Kabel turns her house into a storage space, and her family and friends help her put together and deliver the boxes.
"My house looks like Santa's workshop. I have my elves that work with me," she said.
Kabel says so far, the initiative has helped at least 120 families.
"So many people are struggling with the economy. We're at tough times and haven't recovered," but many people "have something to give," she said.
She remembers the first family she helped, who couldn't afford any decorations during the first year of the pandemic.
"Her little girl was so excited and couldn't wait to see the tree," said Kabel.
"This is why we do it … helping others through difficult times whenever we can and bringing them joy."
Judie Smith is among those who have reached out for help, after reading Kabel's post on the St. James community Facebook page. She has three sons with disabilities and making ends meet is a challenge.
"I didn't think I was going to have Christmas for them," said Smith, who said she was overwhelmed when her tree was delivered.
"She made us happy. It's like a special gift, and people like that have good hearts. She gave me hope."
Kabel says the importance of a Christmas tree goes beyond simple decoration. She hopes to spread as much cheer as possible.
"They're so thankful, you know.… If you can make a difference in someone's life, it keeps my mind happy, helping others."
Experience with homelessness
Kabel says her desire to help comes from some of her own challenges in the past.
In 2009 she had a terrible car accident and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Two years later, she was still struggling and experienced homelessness.
"I was dealing with a lot of pain, so my world just came crashing down.… I was fighting to get my life back," Kabel said.
"It's hard to explain — it's devastating and I still battle with pain, depression, so this keeps me going."
That's what led to her decision to try to help people once she had the opportunity.
"I believe in paying it forward. I've been at the bottom reaching out for help.… I myself deal with a lot of depression and so it compels me to get up, keep moving. There's people that need help."
She said she also learned about the importance of giving from her father, and that continues to guide her efforts to help others.
"It's in you. I was raised to always help others give what you can — whether it's a meal or a smile, something you always have, something to make a difference in somebody's lives."
Volunteering throughout the year
Kabel also works all year round donating and volunteering to help people in need.
That includes work on projects to help domestic violence survivors, after she learned that domestic violence rates were increasing at the start of the pandemic, and she saw pleas for help on social media groups.
Kabel collected items like backpacks, small suitcases, pillows, blankets, toothbrushes, snacks, art supplies and even toys to help survivors.
"I want to specialize these little backpacks for the moms, because they literally leave [situations of domestic violence] with what they have on their back," she said.
In recent months, she's also volunteered with other organizations like the Bear Clan Patrol, Main Street Project, Thunderbird House, Siloam Mission and N'Dinawemak to help out with their donation drives.
"I feel relieved that I'm making a difference in people's lives. Everybody needs a purpose in life, and this helps me mentally and physically."
Anyone who would like to donate their Christmas trees or other items can contact Kabel through her Facebook page or her email.
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