The Children’s Foundation Adopt-A-Family Program is Bringing Hope and Joy Home for the Holidays.

With all the changes the pandemic has brought about in the community, the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington is adapting their popular holiday support program, Adopt-A-Family. This year, Adopt-A-Family will still match donors with families in need to brighten up their holiday season but the program will be moving to a gift card model rather than asking donors to shop from a list of requested gift items.

“The safety of our team, our donors, and the community at large has been forefront in our planning,” says Karyn Kirkwood, Program Director. “COVID restrictions and safety protocols significantly impact how we can do things. We anticipate the need in our community may be higher, while the capacity of the community to give may be strained with the financial impacts of this year. However, in the spirit of Santa Claus and the Elves, with a steadfast and jolly determination to bring hope and joy home for the holidays, we are pleased that we will be able to continue providing holiday support this year; although, it will look different than how our program usually runs.

The Foundation’s mission is to help children be happy, healthy and, thriving throughout the year and this winter is no different. Along with the new gift card model for Adopt-A-Family, donors will also be able to participate in a Winter Wear Drive beginning in October. In partnership with HOPE House, new and gently used winter wear will be collected and distributed to children in need in time for the cold weather.

“With the winter months approaching, and the temperatures getting colder, HOPE House is excited to be running its first ever Winter Clothing Market, supported by the Children's Foundation of Guelph Wellington,” says Jaya James, Executive Director of HOPE House. “In current times, it’s imperative we all stand together and support one another. To assist with alleviating some of the stress of purchasing winter items, this market is designed to provide what is needed, at no cost, for those who need the help. We are thankful for the support from the community in making this market a reality.”

In addition to the collaboration with HOPE House, the Children’s Foundation plans to continue distributing new winter wear to families via the social agencies who refer families to Adopt-A-Family. “We know many of our donors love the opportunity to shop for kids, and this is the perfect time to show them the warmth of the season with a new winter coat or boots,” say Emma Rogers, CEO of the Children’s Foundation. “We’re really happy to collaborate with HOPE House as we launch our Winter Wear Drive, and hopefully with community support, we’ll be able to continue right into December with providing what kids need to stay warm this year.”

To learn more about Adopt-A-Family 2.0, click here. 
To learn more about the Winter Wear Drive, click here.