A $5,000 cheque was presented to the Strathmore and Wheatland County Christmas Hamper Society after this year's Christmas Hamper Days.

Strathmore Canadian Tire had been collecting donations since the beginning of November for the Christmas Hamper Society and the team from 104.5 More Country hosted a three-day toy and food drive on November 26 to 28 at Canadian Tire.

Treasurer of the Christmas Hamper Society, Jack Hiller, was over the moon with the amount donated this year. "Above and beyond our expectations, it will be put to great use, especially in this period of COVID-19. We put food, clothing and toys in our hampers, so the money will be used in any one of those areas."

Strathmore Canadian Tire owner, Michael Tourond explained that this year, they really wanted to give back to a great community association.

"It is an amazing feeling for sure. It is an opportunity for us to be able to support a charity that does so much in our community and supports us as a business owner. We feel very lucky and fortunate to pass that on."

The team at 104.5 More Country was overwhelmed by the support they received during Christmas Hamper Days and were happy that they could contribute to the amazing cause.

Manager of 104.5 More Country and StrathmoreNow.com, Whitnee Montgrand, explained why this year was so successful.

"So, this year, which is different than previous years, we decided to run a toy and food drive in support of the Strathmore and Wheatland County Christmas Hamper Society. Now that we have wrapped up, we can confidently say that this was our most successful year hosting this event. We feel that we really broadened the kinds of items that people were able to donate by taking toys and household items, along with toys and monetary donations.

"I believe this was the most successful year yet, first, because the need in 2020 is much greater than it has been in previous years. It was amazing to see the community of Strathmore come together to fill that need. People are more willing to give and help than they ever have been and we definitely felt that this year. Second, is because of the incredible support that we had from Strathmore Canadian Tire. Michael and his team really went above and beyond to help us make this possible and we are so very grateful for their partnership and support."

Donations for the Christmas Hamper Society are still being collected at the StrathmoreNow.com donation page. Donations can be made until December 16.