“Eid is a really important time for our family, but as a single mom of four, I didn’t know how I’d make it happen this year. I had no extra money for groceries or gifts, and I wanted my kids to feel proud and included. Thanks to the support we received, I was able to prepare biryani, samosas, and sweet treats for the end of Ramadan. Each of my children got a new outfit and shoes for visiting the mosque, and they were so excited to dress up. We were able to celebrate together, and it felt like a real holiday again.”

—  Fatima, Mother of Four

A single mom working two jobs was barely covering rent and bills. She had no extra money for gifts, and the holidays were approaching fast. “I didn’t want my kids to feel the weight I was carrying,” she said. When the family received personalized gifts – a soccer ball for her son, art supplies for her daughter, and warm clothing – she felt overwhelmed with gratitude. “It gave me hope. It created a belief that we’re not alone when things feel impossible. There are good people out there that care, even if they don’t know us. Thank you.”

—  Nancy, Mother of Two

A father of three, recently laid off and battling depression, was struggling to keep the lights on. “We were choosing between heat and food,” he admitted. The Holiday Gift Program provided his children with winter coats, books, and toys – and gave the family grocery gift cards and essentials. “It wasn’t just the gifts. It was the fact that we had a meal, a real traditional meal. It was like a ton of bricks was off-loaded from my shoulders. There’s nothing better than seeing your kids happy during the holidays.”

—  Leo, Father of Three

A mother of two had just come out of a crisis shelter after leaving a violent relationship. She was navigating trauma, court dates, and trying to find stable housing. “I was trying to hold it together for my kids,” she said. When she received holiday gifts – warm clothes, toys, and grocery support – she broke down in tears. “It felt like someone saw us. I didn’t have to pretend everything was okay for one day. My kids got to smile, and I got to breathe.”

—  Elyse, Mother of Two

After a year of navigating her son’s diagnosis and multiple hospital visits, a mother felt emotionally and financially drained. She wasn’t sure how she’d manage the holidays. When her family received gifts – sensory toys for her son, warm clothes, and a grocery gift card – she said, “It reminded me that good things can still happen.” The support gave her a renewed sense of hope and helped her feel less alone in the journey.

—  Humara, Mother of One

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

“This holiday season, all I wanted was to host a dinner for my friends — the ones who, like me, didn’t have anywhere to go or anyone to celebrate with. I’ve been on my own since I was 17, and holidays can feel especially lonely. When I received the grocery gift card, I couldn’t believe it. It meant more than just food. It meant warmth, connection, and a chance to create something joyful for people I care about. We cooked together, laughed, and for one night, it felt like family. Thank you for giving me the chance to give back and feel like I belonged.”

— Shiliana, Age 19

“I’ve always loved the feeling of unwrapping a gift on Christmas morning. It’s something small that makes the day feel special. My worker knows that about me, so she wrapped my gift card like a present and placed it under the tree. It meant so much. I know CASO doesn’t have a big budget, and I never expect anything, but getting that gift card was amazing. I like choosing my own things, and this gave me the freedom to do that. It made me feel seen, respected, and cared for. Thank you for making me feel like I mattered this holiday.”

— Elyana, Age 21

“I didn’t know how I was going to pull the holidays off. I had just been laid off, had no phone, and no money to make Christmas happen. It was my first holiday as a single dad, and I wanted to make it special for my toddler – just like my mom used to do before she passed away. My worker helped me get gifts under the tree and ingredients for a traditional dinner. I was still grieving, but the support made all the difference. My son woke up smiling, and we shared a warm meal that reminded me of my mom. I’m so grateful for the help, it gave us a moment of joy in a tough time.”.

— Evan, Age 18

Ben has recently been placed in kinship care with his aunt after his parents’ mental health and addiction issues made it unsafe for him to stay at home. He received a small toy truck, a cozy hoodie, and a book about friendship. “I’m going to keep it forever,” he said, holding the truck tightly. His aunt shared that Ben had been feeling forgotten, and that this gift reminded him that he mattered.

—  Ben, Age 6

Liam had been living in a shelter with his mom after they fled a violent home. He rarely spoke and often clung to his mom in fear. When he received a soft stuffed dog, a fleece blanket, and a bedtime storybook, he told his mom that he would sleep with it to not feel scared anymore. His mom said it was the first time he slept through the night without waking up crying. The gift gave him comfort and gave mom a moment of peace.

—  Liam, Age 4

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

“In my 34 years at CAS as a Child and Youth Counsellor, I’ve learned that the most powerful gift you can offer is your time – time to listen, time to connect, and time to help children and families access the resources they need to move safely though their journeys. It truly takes a village. What donors often don’t see is the impact that happens behind the scenes. These stories only scratch the surface of the healing, growth, and transformation your support makes possible. Your generosity helps families move from survival mode to a place where they can begin to build a life – and that is nothing short of life-changing. Because of you, hope shows up wrapped in warmth, kindness, and the chance to start again.”

—  Karen, CYC