For more than two decades, students have braved mid-December temperatures and formed a human chain to deliver non-perishable goods from École St Patrick High School to Yellowknife’s Salvation Army.
Operation Christmas is organized by the school’s Interact Club and a few teachers to help stock the charity’s shelves. This year, the event took place on the morning of December 18.
@cabinradio OPERATION CHRISTMAS! ❤️🎄 For more than two decades, students have braved mid-December temperatures and formed a human chain to deliver non-perishable goods from École St Patrick High School to Yellowknife’s Salvation Army. Here’s the 2025 event. ♬ original sound – Cabin Radio
“This is the time of the year that the food security issues really hit home,” said Tony Brushett, executive director of the city’s Salvation Army.
“Close to Christmas, people are struggling, so this food will help us get through the months of December and January.”
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For Brushett, watching the teenagers get invested in giving back to their community is one of the highlights of his Christmas.
Jacqueline Stanbridge is one of the teachers at St Pat’s who helped the Interact club organize Thursday’s event.
She explained that throughout December, classes collect food items for delivery to the Salvation Army.
“We know that food prices are very, very high right now, and so we’re happy to be a part of collecting some things and making sure our students know Christmas is about really, truly the season of giving and community,” she said.
“We are such a beautiful, small, tight-knit community [and] at any point we all may need to be leaning on services for help.”
She estimated through 2025’s event, St Pat’s was able to donate around 150 boxes of food in addition to providing a cash donation. Brushett said the amount donated appeared similar to previous years.
