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.  Hampers are provided to children and youth who are living in economically disadvantaged situations. 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 who would otherwise not have the resources to celebrate their gift giving traditions. As a result, this opportunity ensures that children and youth have a reason to celebrate the season. Celebrations are traditionally very common during this time of year.

Help to ensure that No Child, Youth or Family Shall Be Left Behind.

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

GM Canada and their ongoing support of Holiday Hope.

General Motors Canada supports the legacy of Sharon Clark. Through their donations over the past number of 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. Most recently, GM Canada sponsored a National Dealer Contest for VIN001 – first pick-up truck off the new assembly line in Oshawa and a red Z06 Chevrolet Corvette. Thanks to all of the GM Dealers across Canada for their support. 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 $625,000 in support of Sharon’s Kid and they continue working to ensure that No Child or Youth Shall Be Left Behind.

Wreaths of Hope

This new opportunity is helping to raise funds for Holiday Hope. The Wreath Program invites local businesses and donors to create their own Holiday Hope Wreath that will be auctioned off to raise funds for children, youth and families living in vulnerable situations. Decorate your wreath with a special theme, include decorations, small gifts and even gift cards. Get creative! Wreaths will be collected by November 30th and the auction will take place beginning in December.

Contact Amanda Nagy, Coordinator of Special Events and Communications for additional information regarding how you or your business can participate in Wreaths of Hope or DCAF’s new Holiday Hope Wish Program.

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 or download a copy of the Program Details . Holiday Hope is available throughout the year to support other gift giving holidays as well.

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. 

Special thanks to supporters for Giving the Gift of Hope