When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Loni Ballantyne knew she had to take it to the next level.
For years the retired teacher has spearheaded a local effort on behalf of Operation Christmas Child, a project hosted by the Christian-based aid organization Samaritan's Purse, that sees shoe boxes full of small gifts sent to needy children around the world.
Typically, she'd gather enough in donations and effort to get 200 to 300 boxes assembled and shipped out from Prince George prior to the holiday season. But this time she found a way to get the count up to 910.
An early start, some particularly-helpful donors, effective use of social media and support from local churches and a social agency were a big part of the difference, but Ballantyne also credits a higher power.
"I believe God helped me through people who care about others and want to care about others, and He touched people's hearts," said the retired teacher with an ebullient personality.
Whereas the campaign would typically start after Halloween, this year Ballantyne got the ball rolling in about a month earlier. As she had in past years, Ballantyne secured a commitment from a neighbour, who prefers not to be identified, who promised to cover the $10-per-box cost of shipping.
From there, it was a matter of getting the word out. In past years, she would visit schools and seniors homes to make her pitch but with the pandemic taking hold, that was out of the question.
So she started with those closest to her - friends, relatives, ex-coworkers and fellow church members - then worked outwards. She turned to social media, local churches and a poster campaign at spots around the city to raise money and collect donations.
It got to the point were she would get calls from strangers saying they can make a donation.
"I would just go to their place and pick up the cheque from the mailbox," Ballantyne said.
She said members of the RCCG Faith Chapel were particularly helpful at a point when she had run low on cash.
In short, it amounted to a prime example of what a bit of perseverance and effort can achieve.
"Full tilt because I thought I wouldn't get many because of COVID," Ballantyne said.
Ballantyne estimated she raised at least $45,000 in cash and donations from more than 100 sources in addition to the original commitment.
Donations included fleece hats and knitted toques that had been made for local craft fairs, which due to COVID, were cancelled this year.
Many of the items were bought at local dollar stores. At times, she had filled two or three carts and the staff would open a separate till for her.
The stores were also a spot where some of the money was raised.
"Whenever they asked me what I was doing, I would explain and then people in the lineup would pull out their wallets and say 'that a great thing you're doing,' and they would hand me a donation," Ballantyne said.
Assembling the boxes in a COVID-safe manner was among the biggest challenges. Ironically, because of COVID there was extra room at the First Baptist Church in College Heights to do the work.
Ballantyne was also able to enlist the help of a group of AimHi clients. From Monday to Thursday, week after week, they gathered to fill the boxes with items ranging from the practical - like school supplies and toothbrushes - to the fun - small bouncy balls, Teddy bears and the like - all the while practicing social distancing, mask wearing and sanitizing. Instead of the usual dozen or so to do the work, she was limited to two helpers at a time.
Angie McEwen, the project's church liaison coordinator for Northern B.C. said Ballantyne's effort made all the difference. In all, 2,739 boxes were gathered from the region, about the same as last year. Nicaragua, Costa Rica and El Salvador and to Senegal are among the countries to which the boxes will be shipped.
That more than 900 boxes were generated was "absolutely amazing," McEwen said.
"My jaw drops when someone brings in five boxes or when a community brings in 15 boxes," she added. "That's potentially 15 lives that are changed forever."
