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.
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 toys and/or 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, toys and household items; 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.
