BRING HOLIDAY JOY TO FAMILIES IN NEED

2023 HOLIDAY DRIVE

With the holiday season approaching, we are reaching out for your support to help us give back to the broader community this time of year, as there are so many people in need.

As we have done in the past, we are excited to partner with the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre as well as The Neighbourhood Organization to support three low-income newcomer families in need this holiday season with gift packages. We are calling on you for support to help make this holiday season a little brighter for these families as they face incredibly challenging times. The impact we had last year was tremendous and so appreciated!

Please see below for additional details on each of the families as well as the link to sign-up to support that family. Donations are requested by Sunday December 10, 2023 and full drop-off details are provided in the respective links.

Family #1

Single Father of three, living with elderly mother. The family composite is due to the mother passing away during childbirth. The loss of income and no life insurance or savings put the family in a severe strain. The family has been in Canada for two years, the mother/grandmother for seven months. She came to help her son who is struggling to make ends meet and take care of three daughters while having a job. Dad works a factory job and they live in a 2 bedroom apartment and pay $2100 in rent. The family could use basic necessities such as toiletries and bedding and help with groceries.

Family #2

Family of four new to Canada from Colombia, this will be their first winter. Father arrived first, mother and children arrived after. Father has secured employment with Tim Hortons and is making $20/hr. Mom is home with the two daughters and is working on her English. The family immigrated to Canada as a result of safety issues they were experiencing in their home country. Although they are excited, they also feel afraid of being in a new country with no immediate family. The family is in need of many household items. The two young girls are big fans of Disney princesses and the Encanto movie.

Family #3

This family arrived in Canada as refugees a few months ago. The mother and her six children escaped from Afghanistan. The father was unable to escape and the family does not know if or when he will be able to join them here in Canada. The family is facing multiple barriers, including financial hardship. They are currently on the Refugee Assistance Program which provides financial support to them, however, the support is insufficient for the family to maintain living expenses. They do not have any furniture items. Everyone is sleeping on the floor. They do not have pillows, mattresses, blankets and other essential household items. They are also lacking the technology needed for the children to complete their schoolwork. To make matters worse, the 16-year old was just recently diagnosed with cancer and is soon beginning treatment. 

If you are unable to drop off items on the wish lists, we are also accepting financial donations that will enable our Outreach Team to purchase any outstanding items on the wish lists. Kindly note that donations are not eligible for a tax receipt. If you would like to provide a financial donation, please click the button below.

Thank you in advance for your support and generosity! We know that it will make a huge difference for these families!