Army reservists deliver Christmas hampers to families in Winnipeg's North End

About 180 hampers filled with food and gifts were distributed in Winnipeg's North End on Saturday, as soldiers from the Fort Garry Horse army reserve carried out "Operation Parcel Push."

Dressed in green camouflage, reservists packed piles of brown boxes from the Christmas Cheer Board into minivans to be distributed to people in the area surrounding the regiment's home at the Strachan Armoury (formerly McGregor Armoury) on Machray Avenue — an annual tradition for more than four decades.

Maj. Matthew Bittner, who has participated in Operation Parcel Push for about 20 years, said it's important for Fort Garry Horse soldiers to be involved members of the local community.

"We want to show that we are part of the community, and it's just giving back to where we're from," he said.

Capt. James Smith said it's important for Winnipeg residents to know that members of the Armed Forces don't just work on battlefields overseas.

"We're also part of the community as well, and we always fight for or participate in community events," Smith said.

They tend to focus on homes within about a 10-block radius of the armoury, he said, and those who live in the area are usually excited about getting a holiday hamper — even if they're being woken up in the morning to receive it.

"Generally, it's received very well, especially when it's combined with gift cards or toys for the children that are at the homes. They see that as like an early Christmas gift," Smith said.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew joined the soldiers as they drove around the neighbourhood and handed out parcels.

"I've done deliveries in past years, and you always see smiles, you always see a lot of joy, and that's what the holidays are all about. The fact that you can see the military lending a hand in such a way, I think it's just good for the heart," Kinew said.

"[There's] so much need in the community these days, but it's pretty awesome to see our heroes in uniform helping out kids and families in the community."

Bittner said participating in Operation Parcel Push is "one of our fun days" compared to the hard work of training.

"Today is all about enjoying the Christmas cheer," he said.