1914-12-30ahk

“In their effort to make happy at the Yuletide season those who in the east end of the city who might have had a measurably cheerless Christmas through no fault of their own, the staff of the east-end police station has had its cup of pleasure filled to overflowing in the knowledge that  they were able to minister to the needs of others and for whose happiness they were at least in some measure responsible.”

Hamilton Spectator     December 30, 1914.

The policemen stationed at the East End station on Sherman Avenue, just north of Barton street, knew the community in the area very well. They knew which houses contained families in need, homes were fathers had been unemployed for months and months, homes where sickness reigned, where there were many children who would receive no Christmas presents and homes where, unless help was provided, the meal on Christmas day would be of limited quality and quantity.

On their own, the policeman who walked the beats in that east end neighbourhood decided that something could, and should, be done to alleviate the distress they saw on a daily basis, if only for Christmas day.

With the support of the chief of the division, the assistance of many volunteers, and the generosity of area merchants and individual donors, enough toys, food and clothing was collected and distributed on Christmas eve afternoon to make many, many homes brighter.

On December 30, 1914, a statement written by Constable W. E. Hill, secretary of the coordinating committee, was issued and released to the local papers:

“On behalf of the Police Relief fund committee, Sherman avenue station, comprising the following gentlemen : Sergt. William Hawkins, chairman; Inspector David Coulter treasurer; Constable W. E. Hill. Secretary; Constable E. Ince, assistant secretary, and for the benefit of the contributors who have so freely assisted the worthy cause, I take great pleasure in presenting the following statement in connection with the Christmas basket and the general relief extended up to the date of this report:

CHRISTMAS BASKET OUTLAY

Total amount of cash donated to date   ….. $555.83

Cost of provisions supplied ……………….. $340.26

Cost of clothing supplied …………………..   $40.00

Cost of sundries supplied ………………..        $2.25

Cartage expenses …………………………..   $17.30

Balance on hand for further relief ………… $135.34

         

The Christmas baskets were distributed on the afternoon of Dec. 24 to 331 families residing in the eastern section of the city, who, owing to the general depression at present, are finding it very difficult to acquire the necessities of life.

“Each basket contained a five-pound beef roast, basket of potatoes, pound of beans, large loaf of bread, one-half pound butter, three pounds of sugar and small cakes, a book for each boy, a doll for each girl under eight years and stockings, candies, nuts and oranges for all children.

“In all 1604 persons, comprising 642 adults and 962 children, (482 girls and 480 boys, were enabled to have a merry Christmas and a good Christmas dinner. They would otherwise likely have been deprived of the Yuletide feast, which is so dear to us all.

“The general relief of families in distress has been in progress for some time now, and I am glad to report that up-to-date, wearing apparel amounting to several hundred dollars, has been supplied to those in our midst, who are experiencing difficulty in warding off the cold winter blasts of this season.

In conclusion, I wish to remind those interested in the relief work being carried on at the Sherman avenue station, that the little subscription box is still adorning the office wall at the station, awaiting any assistance you may care to offer. Even a nickel occasionally will buy bread enough to relieve the hunger pain from a good many people, who, through different circumstances, are unable to buy their own daily bread.

The committee wish to extend a Happy New Year to all those who have so ably assisted in making the venture a success.”¹

^{1 “}”Police Issue Relief Report : Made Christmas Merry For over 1,000 People”

Hamilton Spectator.   December 30, 1914