Holiday Hope

Help put HOPE back into the Holiday Season!

Each year through the Holiday Hope program, DCAF provides gift hampers to over a thousand children and youth across Durham Region.  Every hamper includes appropriate toys, an item of new clothing, personal hygiene items, books and a grocery gift card.  Hampers are distributed to over 500 families across Durham. As a result, this opportunity ensures that children and youth have a reason to celebrate the season. Celebrations are very common during this time of year. Help to ensure that No Child, Youth or Family Shall Be Left Behind.

GM Canada and their continued support of Holiday Hope.

General Motors Canada supports the legacy of Sharon Clark. Through their donations over the past few years, having raffled off the last truck off the line at Oshawa Assembly Plant and donation of two Corvettes as part of Corvettes for Kids. Special Thanks to Paul Sadlon Motors for their tremendous support of Sharon’s Kids and DCAF. Thanks to all of the GM Dealers across Canada for their support of the VIN001 Contest. When GM Canada states “Everybody In”, they mean it!!

Thanks is also extended to all of the office (local and national) and Oshawa Assembly Plant staff from GM Canada and Unifor for their incredible support.

Since 2018, GM Canada has raised over $500,000 in support of Sharon’s Kid and they continue working to ensure that No Child or Youth Shall Be Left Behind.

Read more about Sharon Clark and her legacy of support of Sharon’s Kids.

How can you help?

You are invited to sponsor a gift hamper for a child, youth or family in need.  DCAF provides a wish list to help you put the gift hamper together as we match you with a family who needs support.

There are many ways to support the Holiday Hope program:

• DCAF will provide you with a family story that includes the genders, ages and a wish list of each child. 
• Families of various sizes ranging from one child to many children receive support from DCAF.
• DCAF matches donors with a child, youth or family in need of assistance.
• You can donate funds to support a family or youth. If you prefer not to assemble a hamper yourself, a donation to support a hamper would be greatly appreciated. 
• Providing gift cards to support a family or youth is another convenient way to make a difference.      

You can participate on your own or with your family, neighbours or friends. Consider sponsoring a few families as a staff event in lieu of a gift exchange! Thanks to businesses that support Holiday Hope.

If you are unable to put a hamper together yourself, please consider a donation.

Holiday Hope Giving Guidelines

As a general guideline, DCAF suggests that $100 – $150 be contributed per child or youth. A $100 grocery gift card is also recommended. The gift card will help the family purchase food for a festive holiday meal that represents the family’s own traditions and beliefs. For example, $400 would provide a hamper for a family with two children. All eligible contributions may receive a charitable tax receipt if requested.

During the busy holiday season, know that by supporting the Holiday Hope program, you are demonstrating the true meaning of the holidays.  For additional information or to be matched with a family or youth living on their own, please contact: Leslie McLean, Manager – Signature Programs and Events at leslie.mclean@durhamcaf.ca

Thank you for giving HOPE to children and youth living in vulnerable situations. Together with your support, we are ensuring that No Child, Youth or Family Shall Be Left Behind during the Holiday Season. 

Holiday Hope is available throughout the year to support other gift giving holidays as well. Contact Leslie McLean at leslie.mclean@durhamcaf.ca for details.

Special thanks to supporters of Holiday Hope.