What is the Christmas Bureau?
Christmas can be a challenging time, especially on a limited income. That’s why the Christmas Bureau is here to help!
The Christmas Bureau is a program that is 100% supported by the community for the community. With events like Toys for Tots Christmas Breakfast and the amazing people in our community that sign up to become Christmas Neighbours, we are able to make this program possible. Each year the Toy Room is generously stocked with gifts to share the experience of joy on Christmas morning. In addition, the ingredients for a traditional Christmas meal is made available to each qualified program participant.
The program is reserved for Families with children in their legal care and adults over 60+.
This program is located off site, requires application and income verification.
The Christmas Bureau has two options for you.
Please note: This program is separate from the Food Bank. To enrollment into this program income verification is required.
Option 1:
Christmas Bureau’s TOY ROOM & Christmas Food Basket
You will have the opportunity to shop for your children (for free!) in our toy room, fully and graciously stocked by our community. You will also receive ingredients for a Christmas dinner and extra Christmas treats. The Toy Room is located off site. Once you have qualified for the program you will be given 2 dates. 1 date for your toy room shop and 1 date for your Christmas Food Basket shop.
Please note: If you have a Food Bank appointment, this is a separate appointment.
For example: a family accessing food at the food bank and the Christmas Bureau program could have up to 3 appointments in December.
Two appointments will be booked for December for the Christmas Bureau. One for Toy Room and one for Christmas meal ingredient pick up at the Christmas Bureau.
Option 2:
Matched with a Christmas NEIGHBOUR
You can request to be matched with a Neighbour. This means Christmas wish lists (within the guides) including the ingredients for a Christmas dinner, and gifts can be chosen to be delivered to your door or arrange a meet up place. For this, you MUST have a working phone or email to be in contact with the sponsor. If you are not comfortable with a visit from a neighbour, please ask us about options.
This option has limited availability and is dependent upon Neighbours signing up to be matched.
Who is the Christmas Bureau for?
Applicants must:
- Be either a family with children 19 and under in their care, or a senior over 60 years old
- Complete the application form
- Provide documentation demonstrating low income, or that you are a recipient of government income assistance.
(ex. bank statement, pay stub, proof of enrollement in an income assistance program). - Be an Abbotsford resident with proof of address (ex. utility bill, rental agreement, drivers license not accepted)
- Provide ID for each family member (ex. Personal Health Card, Drivers license, etc.)
- Have an email address or phone number for sending and receiving communications.
- Not receiving Christmas services from other organizations.
Due to our limited capacity, applications close November 13th.
Applications Open October 5th.
Apply here:
Family Application
Program Info Translated
What can I expect after I fill out the application?
Please note: Filling out the application DOES NOT automatically qualify you to be matched with a Christmas Neighbour or enrolled in the Christmas Bureau program. But you will be able to access food at the Food Bank – access to the Food Bank will continue to be monthly.
**Please ensure you are ONLY adding dependent children who are in your care. Unfortunately, we are not sponsoring grandchildren.
- A staff member will contact you via email or phone to update your file and verify your income documentation.
- Once your information is confirmed, you will be be booked for a Toy Room date and Christmas Food Basket date.
Please call the Abbotsford Christmas Bureau if you have any questions or concerns.
604-859-5749 ex 40 or 41