Thanks to the generosity of donors to the Children’ Foundation of Guelph and Wellington Adopt-A-Family Program, 1,100 families in need had presents under the tree this Christmas.
The days leading up to the holidays can be stressful for many families, let alone when one does not have enough to make ends meet.
This year, the demand for Adopt-A-Family jumped to an all-time high of over 1,100 families, and the community responded by “adopting” families, donating gift and grocery cards and providing much-needed cash donations.
“The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in this community, especially when you see the response from donors to the call for help,” say program director Karyn Kirkwood.
“From donors adopting another family or bringing in extra gifts, to all the groups that hold toy drives, to those who make cash donations so that every family will be helped right up to the end, it is heartwarming to witness the generosity. We are so grateful.”
Families are referred to the program by social service agencies within Guelph and Wellington County. Single moms and dads, independent youth, two parent families, as well as children being raised by grandparents, benefit from the Adopt-A-Family program.
Over 1,000 donors signed up to participate including families, businesses, churches and community organizations. Many donors have decided to pass on the tradition of Secret Santa or gift exchanges and instead help put presents under the tree for those in need.
One parent wrote, “You have restored my faith in humanity, in kindness and in the magic of Christmas.”
