Our Favourite Stories
Updated: December 22, 2017
Every once in a while, we need to take a step back and remind ourselves of the good that is happening right under our noses. While the names have been changed to protect our guests, the stories are real. Real families, and real experiences. Their lives may be difficult, but they are made a lot better by our amazing community.
Here are a few of our favourite stories:
“I’m going through a very messy divorce and the stress of everything has caused me to have somewhat of a mental breakdown. I’ve been unemployed and struggling to bounce back. I don’t feel like I’m strong enough emotionally. Everything that I have worked for I have lost. On top of everything else, I’m facing a foreclosure on my apartment. It’s been an incredibly difficult year.
Asking for help hasn’t been any easier. In fact, I almost cancelled with the Christmas Bureau a few times! I felt that it would be better to go without than to accept a handout. I really had to swallow my pride.
But I’m so glad that I didn’t. When my sponsor phoned me, she was so friendly and really made me feel like I had nothing to be ashamed of. On the day of delivery, she showed up with so many boxes full of food and gifts for my children. I really couldn’t believe it. I was hoping for a little help, but what I got totally blew me away! I still tear up thinking about that special day!
It was like Santa Claus had showed up to my house with a cute haircut and a nice pair of jeans! Thank you so, so much!
– Olivia
“This Christmas, I was moved to tears by the kindness and generosity shown to me and my family. Our sponsors were amazing. They brought their children and had a small playdate outside with my 3 kids. They even asked genuine questions about our wellbeing. It was such a heartwarming and touching experience and probably the single most positive experience I have ever had! I wish that I could explain to my sponsor how much it meant to me and my kids, and how deeply they touched us all during a very hard transition in our lives.”
– Anna
“The gifts we received were amazing! The company that sponsored us delivered them shortly before Christmas. Without their help, Christmas might not have happened in our home. I am so grateful for their kindness and I look forward to the day when we can sponsor a family, because we know what it’s like to receive. God bless everyone that helped this Christmas. My daughter and I are forever grateful.”
– Heather
“Our sponsor was great and I’m sad that I couldn’t do more than a card in return for everything she did for my family. My boys woke up on Christmas morning to more than they could have ever asked for and were truly spoiled. We are beyond grateful. Thank you!”
– Janice
“As we are new immigrants it was hard to afford some of the stuff. So, getting sponsored was one the greatest gifts we could receive this Christmas. Thank you!”
– Samara
“I was due to have a baby on the day of gift pick up and the helpers at the Christmas bureau were very understanding and helpful when I mentioned that I was in early labour that day! They made the pick up very quick and effortless. They even wrapped all of the gifts very fast so I wasn’t waiting too long. The following day, on the 15th of December, I gave birth to my son. Because of the Food Bank, our Christmas was a special one. All of my children received gifts that they wished for, and I was delighted to see them all so happy and appreciative on Christmas morning.”
– Connie
Wow just browsing through the your web page and the great things you’ve done for your community and keeping the the community also the most important. Thank you for your attention to detail and making efforts that everyone from the doners to clients volunteers are welcome