Adopt-A-Family

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The Adopt-A-Family Program connects families who need support during the holiday season with donors who give the gift of hope and joy by shopping for tangible gifts and grocery-needs cards. Families are referred to the program by social-community agencies in Guelph and Wellington County.

With the jolly determination of our dedicated volunteers, staff, community workers, and donors, we bring hope and joy home for the holidays for children, youth, and families in the community!

While Adopt-A-Family was originally a Christmas holiday program, it is open to families of all backgrounds and traditions to meet their needs and wishes.

To learn more about Adopt-A-Family, contact aaf@childrensfoundation.org or 519-826-9551 x 136.

Donor Sign-Up to be matched to families will open on Wednesday, October 11th, 2023.

Looking for information about what’s involved with being matched with a family? Click here to learn more about the process.

Current Ways to support Adopt-A-Family

You can make a Cash Donation that we can pool together to buy gift cards in bulk along with other gift items! Buying gift cards in bulk is a win-win as we receive a charitable donation that we can use to help even more families!

Make a Cash Donation

Looking for a way to support that's not listed above?

Get in contact with the Adopt-A-Family team and we would be happy to discuss how you can help in a way that works for you!
For example, if you would like to plan a third-party fundraising event or set up your own Crowdfunding Page, we can provide support.
Contact aaf@childrensfoundation.org or 519-826-9551 ext 136 (or press 3) for more information.

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Donate to Adopt-A-Family

How Adopt-A-Family makes a difference

Reduces the financial and emotional stress, and lifts the spirits of local families at holiday time.
Strengthens family relationships by providing them the opportunity to create family traditions and memories.
Increases trust and connection between the family and their social worker.
Fosters a sense of belonging within the community for the children and their families.
Increases confidence and self-esteem in child and youth, making them feel seen and valued.
Enhances donors' own holiday experience by giving to a family in their own community.

2022 Facts & Information

1,509 families were referred and supported, including 3,295 children and youth (age breakdown above).

Plate AAF $169,900 grocery gift cards were distributed to local families so they could provide their families with a holiday dinner.

Sunshine Elf 51 Volunteers gave over 2,400 hours of their time to help support the Adopt-A-Family program, which is worth over $48,000 in Living Wage!

Program Partners

Thank you to our Adopt-A-Family partners that help make this program possible year over year.

At the Children's Foundation, we are committed to the actions and goals of the United Nations and their global call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. Our Adopt-A-Family Program supports the following SDGs: