21 Years of Gift Bags

Twenty one years ago, Jandyra was having a terrible time. Her father had died, and in the midst of that grief her housing situation was falling apart. She describes that time as a "pity party." "I was the hardest done by," she says with a distinct tone of irony. The hardest done by, that is, until she greeted a guest at the St. Mark's Kitsilano community meal. Despite rain gear, the guest was abolutely soaking wet. 

That encounter changed her perspective and she committed to doing something to brighten Christmas for vulnerable people. She started with one bag of goodies, which almost immediately multiplied with financial contributions from friends. She now invites friends and members of St. Mary Mags to contribute $10 towards each bag.

Over the next 21 years, Jandya assembled anywhere from 15 to 49 reusable grocery bags each year filled with treats and staples, toiletries and tuques. Starting a couple of weeks before Christmas, she sources items that are free or on sale. Each year she finds someone to help distribute the bags on Christmas Day. 

This year may be the last, says Jandyra. "I'm not as young as I used to be!"