GUELPH – The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington County’s Adopt-A-Family program is yet again seeing a five per cent increase in families and individuals reaching out for support over the holidays.
And as of Nov. 24, 119 families are still waiting to be matched.
“Our program has seen a huge increase over the last several years,” foundation director of programs Megan Harron told the Advertiser.
Five per cent in each of the last four years, to be exact.
The program, which helps families who need support during the holiday season, has been in operation for over 35 years. It services all seven county municipalities and the Guelph area.
“Last year we supported 1,649 families and this year we’ve received over that number of referrals,” Harron said.
Families are referred to the program by social community workers registered with the foundation.
“They screen families for eligibility, assessing need, and then work with families to create a gift list for the kids,” Harron explained.
Each child or youth can create a wishlist including three items, with a maximum of $150.
“We hope [the maximum] makes it a little more accessible for people to participate if they do want to be matched with a child,” she said.
A variety of items make their way onto lists, including: diapers, baby formula, shampoo/conditioner and socks/underwear.
“We do see a lot of families that are struggling to meet basic needs right now,” Harron said.
She noted the foundation receives “a lot of independent youth asking for things like pet food or cat litter … essential items for pets as well as themselves.”
She added it gets harder every year for donors to meet the growing demand for the program.
“Everyone seems to be struggling and everyone is experiencing things being more expensive,” Harron said.
But her appreciation runs deep for the donors who return year after year.
“We’re really creative about how we try to stretch and strengthen our resources and support,” she added.
To process gifts for over 1,650 families in four weeks, staggered delivery dates are applied for donors.
Delivery dates are assigned until Dec. 9 with drop-off dates about two to three weeks after receiving a match.
Due to the holiday season quickly approaching, donors should expect a turnaround time shorter than two weeks.
“We’re really dependent on each other as human beings especially when times are tough,” said Harron.
“Things like social exclusion have really negative impacts on mental health, physical health and overall self-esteem … that’s why our program does what we do.”
Residents in Guelph, due to its size, access the program more than county residents, but there is still a need for rural support.
“We typically see a 75 to 25% split,” Harron said.
Volunteers
Asked if the foundation is in need of volunteers, Harron stated fortunately the program has an abundance of elves.
“It’s a great program to help families in need and gives us all a feeling of good will,” 21-year volunteer Sheila Robinson told the Advertiser.
Colleen Pinniger has been with the foundation for three years and shared a story of a young girl thanking her “thoroughly for volunteering.”
“I gave her a tour and she was just so happy so I think that’s a future volunteer,” said Pinniger.
Bea Long, a volunteer for 13 years, said, “Every kid should be able to ask for something they want at Christmas, especially if they can’t any other time of the year.”
Those interested in donating can visit the foundation’s website at childrensfoundation.org, email the program at aaf@childrensfoundation.org or call 519-826-9551 extension 136.
