The Holiday Program of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation has a positive impact on working in partnership with youth and families, where they feel supported by the Foundation, Society, and the community, during what can often be a more stressful time of year, emotionally and financially. The Foundation understands that by targeting gaps in government funding and building partnerships with other community stakeholders, there is an opportunity to remove significant financial barriers experienced by our children, youth, and families.
As we continue to face staff resource pressures and logistical challenges, the program will be delivered in a new format, while continuing to provide protection & kinship families, RSG & Youth living independently, with the same vital support.
The new format will not include a wish list for Donors to ‘shop’ for youth and families. This year, the holiday package will include gift cards for youth and families to purchase their own gifts, a holiday meal, and any other holiday essentials that they need. The value of the gift card will be determined according to the number of family members in the home. Families will also be able to choose up to 2 toys per child from community donations at the time of pick-up.
The Foundation recognizes that youth and families served by WECAS require year-round support, and not just at this one time of year. To address these ongoing needs, in July 2024, WECAS opened a new on-site resource centre called the S.E.E.D Store, which stands for Security, Equity, Empathy & Dignity, to support these ongoing needs. The store has shown great success in its first year by offering free, timely and targeted support to service recipients. This program will continue to help those in need of food, personal care, and household supplies throughout the holiday season and beyond.
This Holiday Season, the Foundation is appealing to Donors to continue to provide meaningful and necessary support, and there are many ways to make a difference. This includes:
- Pledge a monetary donation
- Donate grocery gift cards
- Host a holiday event with a donation component
- Hold a collection or donation drive for basic needs items
Fortunately, with the continued support of kind and generous donors in our community, the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation will be able to focus on improving child, youth, and family well-being so that they may find strength for today and opportunities for tomorrow.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
>>> REGISTER YOUR SUPPORT – by donating grocery gift cards, holding a holiday event to support the program, or organizing a collection or donation drive.
>>> MONETARY DONATION – An average sponsorship for one family is $250, however all donations are welcome and appreciated.
FACT SHEET FOR DONORS
1.Why is the Holiday Program changing?
The (WECAF) Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation’s Holiday Program will look different this year; however, it will continue to provide meaningful support to children, youth and families served by the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society (WECAS). Holiday packages will include a grocery gift card(s), gifts for children, and other necessities that they need and struggle to afford.
2. Will children still receive toys?
Yes, when a family comes to pick up their holiday package, they will also be able to select up to two toys for each of their children from donations received through the campaign.
3. If you will be accepting toy donations, why eliminate the Wish List for children and youth?
Great question! A large team of Staff and Volunteers from the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society is essential to delivering the Foundation’s Holiday Program that includes a donor-family matching component. Unprecedented staff resource pressures and logistical challenges now require a new approach. Children & youth will continue to benefit from receiving gifts while we also prioritize helping youth and families address their basic needs during the holiday season and throughout the winter months.
4. Why are you focusing the campaign on meeting basic needs?
For many years, the holiday program has supported families in easing some of the financial strain of the costly holiday season with a few gifts for children and their caregivers, as well as grocery gift cards for a holiday meal. In recent years, the rising cost of living and the high use of social programs like housing support and food banks have caused a growing financial gap for young people and families, particularly those served by the Society. They now need assistance every month, not just at one time of the year.
Fortunately, with your support, we can continue to ensure that youth and families celebrate the magic of the holiday season while also assisting them with their everyday needs.
5. We really liked shopping for families. Is there something we can do that is like this?
Yes! Whether you shop or organize a collection at work or with family and friends, you will still make a profound difference in providing timely, targeted and vital support to youth living independently and families.
6. How will these items be distributed to families during the holiday season and beyond?
Within the CAS, there is a room called the S.E.E.D. Store, which stands for Security, Equity, Empathy & Dignity, the guiding principles for offering this free program to support youth and families served by the agency who are in urgent need. This program is similar to a Food Bank or Community Pantry. In addition to providing non-perishable food items, it also includes cleaning supplies, toiletries, infant care supplies, toys, and household items. Through a referral process, workers can access specific requested items on behalf of youth and families.
7. If we host a corporate event to raise donations for the holiday program, or hold a collection or drive, can we have a representative from CAS come to speak about the impact of our donation?
Absolutely! During the annual campaign, we often engage with the community, speaking to corporate and local donors about the significant impact they are making.
8. How will my monetary or in-kind donations be recognized?
If you make a monetary donation through our website or by mail, you will receive a charitable receipt by email along with a thank-you note for your kindness. If you are purchasing items to donate, please retain the receipt(s) and submit for the full value of your donation purchase, along with your full name and mailing address, to receive a charitable receipt. This will also be accompanied by a thank-you note for your kindness. WECAF & WECAS are also committed to celebrating the generosity of our donors through social media.
