As a team lead at the Christmas Cheer Board, Terry Sharman is the go-to when there’s a conversation that might not have a happy ending.
Sharman, who retired from his job as a customer service representative at MPI in 2023, knows that asking questions can often get to the heart of a difficult matter — and maybe even change the outcome.
The retiree began volunteering with the Cheer Board last year as he said he’s not a person to sit around and do nothing. This holiday season, he’s been at the Century Street headquarters pretty much every day.
BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS FILES
Terry Sharman volunteers as a Christmas hamper checker at the Christmas Cheer Board in December 2023.
In the past, he’s been a hamper checker and taken applications over the phone. This year, Sharman is often the first person people applying for or picking up hampers talk to. Sometimes, part of that conversation involves questions about personal finances.
Income thresholds are just part of the Cheer Board’s process to identify who is most in need, Sharman said, adding there is never judgment of anyone’s personal situation.
“The last thing I want to do is tell somebody, ‘I know you don’t make a lot but unfortunately, it’s too much to qualify for for a hamper,’” he said. But sometimes, the more information he is able to gather, the more he can help.
One particular situation stands out. A couple came in to apply for a hamper for their family of seven. Unfortunately, they were just over the threshold, so Sharman was obligated to inform the newcomers from Ukraine that they did not qualify.
“I felt really, really bad,” he said.
Although they weren’t ecstatic about the outcome, they understood, Sharman said. As the family was getting ready to leave, the husband asked about putting in an application for his mother. The volunteer saw a glimmer of hope.
He asked if she lived in the house with them, and the answer was yes.
“That made all the difference in the world,” said Sharman. Because hampers are given out per household, the now-family of eight was below the income limit.
They qualified for a hamper — and a $75 gift card and presents for each of the five kids.
“If you want to feel pretty good about the world and about people, this is the place.”–Terry Sharman
“I went from feeling like a real schmuck to just so great that everything worked out.”
Even though he’ll need a few weeks to rest at the end of the Cheer Board season, Sharman knows he’ll return year after year. He recommends the experience without hesitation.
“If you want to feel pretty good about the world and about people, this is the place.
“This is the place to be.”
If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.