Gifts of Hope: Christmas Hampers
For more information on Christmas Hampers, please contact Amy at 604.215.5440 ext 343
The items you’ll donate to UGM’s Christmas Hamper program will make Christmas brighter for families in desperate need this season. Some have struggled with homelessness this year, some are fighting just to keep a roof over their heads. No matter their circumstances, there’s no doubt your generosity will mean so much to parents who worried they wouldn’t be able to provide for their families this season.
Hampers will be lovingly packed by UGM volunteers and delivered to each family the week before Christmas. Here’s a picture of two of the families your donations will help:
Cathy and children
Just the other day, a mom came in to Union Gospel Mission to sign up for our Christmas Hamper program. Cathy* has three children, aged 11, 14, and 16 who just lost their father to cancer this past April. Throughout the two years her husband had been sick, Cathy spent much of her time going to and from the hospital, all while trying to create as normal a life as possible for her children, but worrying dreadfully over how she'd support her family once her husband passed away.
Though she had difficulty asking for help, Cathy knew she needed support in order to make this Christmas as bright as possible since it would be the first the children would spend without their father. She spoke with our Children and Families Outreach Worker, Stephanie, who made sure Cathy knew she needn't worry about providing food or gifts for her family this Christmas -- thanks to UGM's generous donors, a Christmas Hamper would be provided to them the week before Christmas.
Cathy expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to receive help this Christmas and marveled at this bighearted blessing others would so freely give her.
Emma and children
Skye, a Union Gospel Mission Outreach Worker, tells the following story about a family who'll be very grateful to receive some help this season:
"We have a single mom, named Emma* who's trying desperately to make ends meet for her and her three children. The family was homeless last summer, forced to spend nights in a shelter or wandering the streets until morning. With the help of UGM, they now live in a two bedroom apartment, in which Emma shares a room with her three sons. Her disabled mother and stepfather sleep in the other room as they were evicted from their own apartment. Emma strives to support her family by working a minimum wage job.
Her two younger sons are in UGM's afterschool program and they have been grateful to receive support such as school supplies and new clothing at the beginning of the school year, as well emotional support and food hampers from time to time when needed. Emma says UGM has saved her life more than once, and has given her dignity to be a proud mom and give her kids the quality of life they deserve."