Christmas Bureau Wrap-up
As we move into a brand new year, we are taking some time to reflect on the busy Christmas season.
We are overflowing with gratitude for the ways the people of Abbotsford came through to support the Archway Christmas Bureau this season. With the help of businesses, faith communities, social clubs, families, and individuals, we were able to help 5,700 individuals have a brighter holiday season through our various Christmas programs as well as our regular food bank hampers.
It is no surprise to anyone that we are living in a time when the cost of food and general living expenses are higher than ever, which has translated into a greater need for the programs offered by Archway Food Bank. This year was a record-breaking year with over 4,500 individuals accessing support through the Christmas Bureau. With the community behind us, our hard-working staff and hundreds of volunteers were able to rise to the challenge.
“Honestly if we didn’t have the generosity of those who run and provide these Christmas miracles, there would be a lot of hurting hearts and hungry tummies. This program has given my family full bellies and grateful hearts. With their support at Christmas my son and I are able to find joy in an already difficult time, so we are forever grateful the Christmas Bureau exists for those who need a little help during the holiday season. Thank you!”
-A Christmas Bureau Beneficiary
Christmas Food Baskets
The Christmas Bureau provided families and seniors with holiday food baskets so they could have a delicious breakfast and dinner on Christmas Day. This included pancake mix, milk, and eggs for breakfast, as well as a choice of meat, such as turkey, duck, or ham, fresh produce, and other items for a Christmas dinner.
The Christmas Bureau provided ingredients for a traditional holiday meal to 3029 individuals.
“We were able to make a meal and invite another small family, making it a special time for our kids to bond and feel special.”
– A recipient of a Christmas Food Basket
This means that not only did your support allow us to provide food for a special meal, it also provided a way for folks to share with their neighbours and find meaningful connection, which is such an important part of the holiday.
Food Bank Staff and Volunteers
Toy Room
As always, the Toy Room was magical this year. The Christmas Bureau team created a warm, cozy shopping space for caregivers to pick out gifts for their families.
Special events like Toys for Tots, supported by many community partners, and the Teddy Bear Toss hosted by the Abbotsford Canucks, plus many, many toy drives organized by organizations and individuals, contributed to another wonderful season in the Toy Room. Throughout December, we had a steady stream of donated toys coming in and we were able to get them into the hands of caregivers who wanted some Christmas cheer for their kids.
Thanks to the generosity of our community and the many helping hands of staff and volunteers, we were able to help 716 families have a happier Christmas through the toy room.
We could not have done this without the support of our community, but also not without our army of volunteers. A tremendous thank you to everyone who supported the Toy Room this year, whether it was by participating in a toy drive or by showing up to support our team and the families in the Toy Room.
Inside the Toy Room
“It was a really meaningful part of creating joy in our home! My child said ‘I thought you said Christmas would be small!’ I believe this program helps bring dignity & equity to families who may otherwise be unable to meet the social norms of Christmas time.”
– A family who accessed the Toy Room
2024 toy pile with staff and volunteers
Christmas Neighbours
Part of our Christmas Bureau program is the Christmas Neighbour program which matches donors with a Christmas Bureau applicant. The Christmas neighbour delivers food and gifts directly to the family or senior to help them over the holidays.
Thanks to the generosity of approximately 165 individuals and groups in our community, 346 families and seniors received gifts and food.
We love to see members of the community taking care of each other and the thought that the donors put into personalizing the gifts and food for each family or senior.
“If not for this program my children would have ended up with either essentials in their stocking (socks, undies, brush, toothbrush, etc) or a gift under the tree. Thanks to this program, I was able to get their essentials and a neighbor family put gifts under our tree. I could not be more thankful.”
– A Christmas Bureau Beneficiary
“I was overwhelmed by the kindness, thoughtfulness & time my sponsor put into choosing each food & gift. Also the generosity of all their staff in contributing together…..really restored my faith in the goodness of people. I also got a lovely card which all the company’s staff signed which touched my heart. Just a wonderful holiday, made me feel not so alone knowing so many others care.”
– A Christmas Bureau Beneficiary
To all those who participated as Christmas Neighbours this year, thank you so much! You made a real difference in the lives of people in our community!
Conclusion
None of this would be possible without the support of our community. Thank you to everyone who donated food and toys or gave of their time or financially!