Help Us Help Her – Operation Mrs. Claus

As a business dedicated to serving the community where they’re at, we are constantly seeking ways to improve the lives of those around us, contributing to or creating initiatives for the climate we’re in.

Last year, we were all required to adjust to new ways of living. Though changes came incrementally, everything felt heightened and more personal during the holidays, when many were unable to gather and connect with loved ones. Organizations and groups were also feeling the pressure — supporting one another was going to require more strategic solutions. Not only was COVID-19 affecting how we touch ground in our neighbourhoods, it made it more imperative than ever to do so.

Help Us Help Her (HUHH)

Help Us Help Her Committee (HUHH) was partially founded in 2019 by Avana’s president and CEO, Jenn Denouden, and is a group of women dedicated to supporting at-risk single mothers over the holidays, with a focus on helping lower-income families. Avana partnered as a sponsor, and in the inaugural year of HUHH, we were able to distribute traditional Christmas dinners to 400 mothers and their children, complete with engaging activities and gifts. By giving more than a meal, a family could enjoy an entire holiday experience that felt more memorable.

Operation Mrs. Claus

During the height of the pandemic, after seeing layoffs and decreased wages affect families from all socio-economic backgrounds, we noticed more stress and a deluge of demand at food banks and shelters. With thousands affected in Regina alone, the need for support was critical.

From working with the food bank, we knew that 40% of those who rely on their services are children. When we learned that many children in Regina were without adequate winter clothing, we initiated conversations with the HUHH Committee to determine what could be done, not just for these children, but families affected by this economic crisis during the holidays.

As a response to the community’s needs, Operation Mrs. Claus was established and we went to work providing proper outdoor clothing and snowsuits, along with organizing and distributing hampers of food and toys to commemorate the spirit of the season.

Throughout December, we were able to visit over 250 children at shelters, schools, and neighbourhoods by using a 22-foot enclosed trailer, allowing the team to use appropriate caution and physical distancing measures.

Thank You For Your Support

As we look back on the first year of Operation Mrs. Claus, we extend our gratitude to you for volunteering and donating, as well as thank each sponsor involved. From the bottom of our hearts we want to thank the following corporate sponsors for their contribution in making this year’s Help Us Help Her event a successful one.

Tag Sponsor – Bronco Plumbing and Heating

Hamper Sponsor – GR Flooring

Mask Sponsor – Foundation Fitness

We look forward to sharing more plans for the 2021 holiday season. In the meantime, the community still needs our support as the pandemic continues to affect families in immeasurable ways. Please consider how you can help today.

To donate to the food bank and YWCA, please visit their websites:

Regina Food Bank

YWCA of Regina