The impact of the pandemic, rising food and housing costs and the need to help refugees starting over in Canada means referrals to a local charity initiative are up over last year.
The Children’s Foundation’s annual Adopt-A-Family Program says it is requesting community support for more than 600 families waiting to be matched with donors for the holiday season.
“With close to 1,200 families already referred to Adopt-A-Family so far, we know that the effects of the pandemic and struggling economy are still being felt by families in our community,” said Emma Rogers, CEO.
With the rising costs of food, housing, and other necessities, hundreds of families can barely cover the basics for their family, let alone what they need for a special holiday, Rogers said.
Last year, the program saw a record number of 1,430 families referred, which included more than 3,100 children and youth. The number is already growing this year with a 15 per cent increase in referrals from social and community workers so far.
Referred families are matched to donors who shop to provide wishes for the children and youth, along with gift cards for necessities, including groceries for the holidays.
“Every year, we hear heartbreaking stories of poverty and hardship, as well as loss, trauma, and tragedy,” said Megan Harron, program manager for Adopt-A-Family.
“We also support many immigrant and refugee families, including from Syria, Afghanistan, and now Ukraine. They are starting over with very little after having spent time in refugee camps, experiencing tremendous losses, and often being separated from family members who are still fighting in the wars back home.
"This is an opportunity for this community to wrap around all these families to bring them comfort, relief, and a sense of belonging, along with the gifts of happiness and hope that children so desperately need to thrive,” Harron said.
With families still being referred daily, and emergency referrals being supported until the holidays, the Adopt-A-Family program needs donors to help meet the urgent demand.
Donors have the option to sign up to shop for a family or to make a cash donation, which will be used to purchase gift cards and other things needed to ensure that all families receive the essentials and gift wishes for a happy holiday season.
For more information or to sign up as a donor, visit www.childrensfoundation.org or call 519-826-9551, ext. 136 to find out how to help bring hope and joy home for the holidays.
