Family of 5 – After spending most of their lives with their mother, four children were placed in their father’s care and have been thriving, despite living in a one-bedroom apartment. Their social worker described their past experiences as heartbreaking and wished for nothing more than for this family have a magical holiday. The father requested essential items like winter clothing for everyone, cleaning products, and museum passes or an activity they could do together. Accommodating the children’s wish lists proved challenging through the Holiday Gift Program’s Toy & Gift Drive due to their ages, ranging from 10 to 18, each with unique interests and limited donations for older children and youth. Because of monetary and gift card donations, this father was empowered to purchase both essential items and fun surprises for his children. The family felt immensely grateful for the support that made their holiday celebration possible.

Family of 6 – A single mother of four had recently taken in her young nephew but had no income after her maternity benefits ended. Unable to return to work due to caregiving responsibilities and limited support, she was overwhelmed by the prospect of providing for five children during the holidays. With all the kids at home, it would have been impossible for their social worker to sneak gifts in without ruining the surprise or taking away the mother’s joy of giving them herself. Thanks to generous family sponsorship donations, this mother was able to personally select and purchase gifts for each child, preserving the magic of the holidays and giving her the pride of being the one to give. The family created cherished holiday memories, bringing joy and warmth to a difficult season of transition.

Family of 4 – A single father of three teenagers had been struggling after a recent job loss and health issues. With limited financial resources and his children’s complex, varying needs, the holiday season only added to their already difficult situation. His growing teenagers urgently needed clothes, and the father was at a loss for how to provide clothing, small gifts, and enough food for the holidays. Shopping for teenagers can be difficult, and he simply didn’t have the means or support to manage it. Through gift card donations, the family received support for groceries and clothing stores that matched each child’s personal style, allowing the father to focus on providing meaningful gifts while ensuring their essential needs were met.

A gift of $100, $250, or $500 can provide meaningful support to families who need it most.

Magda, 7 – Magda recently moved in with a family friend for safety reasons, leaving behind many of her cherished traditions. One of her biggest concerns was missing out on helping her mother cook for family and friends during the holidays. Her new caregiver, from a different cultural background and with limited financial means, wasn’t sure how to provide that experience for Magda. Thanks to generous monetary donations, the Holiday Gift Program provided grocery gift cards and a cooking lesson so Magda could prepare a special holiday meal in her new home. She later told her social worker it became her new favourite dish and reignited her love for cooking that she and her caregiver will carry forward for years.

Harvey, 16 – Harvey lives with his mother and two younger siblings. After a tumultuous divorce, the family faced significant hardship, making it especially difficult for Harvey to feel excited about the holidays. While his younger siblings (ages 5 and 9) found joy in the gifts they received through the Holiday Gift Program’s Toy & Gift Drive, his mother struggled to bring the same happiness to Harvey. We often receive generous donations for younger children, but teens are simply harder to shop for. Amidst the emotional challenges of adolescence and his family situation, his mom didn’t know how to give him something meaningful. Thanks to generous donations, Harvey received gift cards tailored to his interests, allowing him to enjoy a gift that truly spoke to him. Both Harvey and his mother were deeply grateful for the chance to provide him with something that brought joy during such a difficult time.

Arielle, 10 – Arielle’s parents face ongoing health challenges and struggle to meet her unique needs as she is on the autism spectrum. While Arielle is grateful for what she has, she often can’t hide her disappointment when gifts don’t align with her interests. During the holidays, she had a few specific things in mind, as well as daily necessities that would make a big difference. Through generous monetary donations, her parents experienced the joy of shopping for her and ensuring she received exactly what she needed. More meaningful than the items themselves was Arielle’s smile and deep gratitude for such a thoughtful and impactful gift.

A donation of $25, $50, or $100 can bring joy to a child or youth this holiday season.