Whitehorse firefighters rescue Christmas hamper program

Hundreds of Yukon families will get Christmas hampers this year after the Whitehorse Firefighters charitable society stepped up to continue the tradition.

The hamper program, which has been run by the Whitehorse Kin Club for more than a decade, provides toys, clothes and food to families in need over the holiday season. Last year, the program delivered hampers to 210 families, and 450 children.

But the Kin Club sounded the alarm earlier this month that the Share the Spirit program was in jeopardy after membership in the club dwindled to two people.

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That's when the Whitehorse Firefighters charitable society stepped in.

The group's spokesperson, Nicholas O'Carroll (yes, that's his real name), says "it was a great opportunity to help out another organization to just basically try to keep up the good work."

"These guys have done a great job the last 10 years and our intention is definitely not to come in and rehaul everything but keep it going."

Karen Shannon of the Kin Club says they're "amazingly relieved" the hampers will continue.

"I don't think it's a coincidence that the individual that contacted us is named Nicholas," she said. "So in my mind, Santa Claus is taking over."

Members of the Kin Club are still helping out this year to make sure the transition is smooth.