The Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions Holiday Program is all about giving and the need for giving this year is higher than normal.
Local families in need are referred to the Holiday Program by social workers who create personalized wish lists for all family members. Then, the families in need are matched up with generous sponsors from the community.
“Individuals, businesses, and organizations fill out an application so they can shop for the family,” explained Jasmine Botter, holiday coordinator for Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions.
“We also take donations in bulk because not all of our families get sponsored and sometimes, we have to fill those gaps in. We also take financial contributions.”
The Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions Holiday Program has been helping local families have a Christmas for nearly two decades.
“It’s important that we do this in order to spread holiday cheer for kids who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to take part in the holidays at all,” Botter said.
“It brings smiles to the faces of children and parents who need it the most within our community. It also brings the community together as a team; it’s a beautiful thing to see people coming together to help those who are vulnerable.”
Botter says there is a bigger need in the community this year than perhaps ever before.
“It’s due to the financial effects of the pandemic. We’ve had very generous past sponsors reach out and say that unfortunately, they won’t be able to contribute this year, which we of course understand,” she said.
“However, we still have families to serve with fewer sponsors. It’s a little more difficult this year to get sponsors to sign up and help shop for families and their personalized wish lists.”
To get involved, help sponsor a family or make a financial contribution, you can find more information on the Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions website.
“I get the feeling that people find this to be a very meaningful experience to share with their loved ones and their families. I think most people choose to sponsor families who have children of the same ages and genders as their own children because it’s relatable, it hits close to home,” Botter said.
“This can also be a fun team-building activity for companies and colleagues who get together to sponsor a family. It seems like our sponsors have a lot of fun doing it.”
Bulk donations can be donated up until Dec. 17 at the Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions Toy Depot in Barrie, which is located at 130 Bell Farm Rd., Unit 13B. Sponsorship drop-offs must be completed by Dec. 10.
To speak with someone about the program, call Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions' Holiday Hotline at 705-726-6587 ext. 2226 or toll-free, 1-800-461-4236 ext. 2226
