Help for the Holidays

By Nelia Raposo

“Thank you for your generosity at a time when food prices are higher than ever. This will make my holiday easier, and I wish you the best for yours!”

These words written on a card by one of many people who benefit from the Kerr Street Mission (KSM) in Oakville are a reminder to Heidi Avery, Director of Stewardship and Fundraising of the impact the community makes.

As the cost of living keeps going up and more and more people turn to food banks, KSM’s Christmas Wonders and Beyond campaign hopes to raise $500,000 this year. “We’ve increased our goal slightly due to the increase of people needing our support. We provided for over 700 people last year and expect that number to increase to almost 1,000,” Avery says. “We need the community’s support to help us.”

Over the last six months, KSM has seen 200 additional people per week seek food services. The need is significant and urgent, Avery says. This holiday campaign began 20 years ago, designed to help families facing financial hardship. “These people have challenges making ends meet during the year due to rising prices, poverty, and more - let alone finding money to provide for their families during the holidays.”

To receive assistance, clients must register to identify that they’re in need and then they’re provided with gift cards that they can use to purchase gifts, food, toys for their children, and new clothing.

Often clients are reliant on government assistance such as Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), or Canada Pension Plan for income. When you consider that the amount one can receive from ODSP income support is up to $1,308 a month and rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Oakville is upward of $2,699 it’s clear that many people are struggling to make ends meet.

In December KSM hosts a day where clients can come in and shop. Avery explains clients can pick toys and pyjamas which are all organized by children's ages and clothing size.

More than 750 pieces of sleepwear were distributed last year. While 210 volunteers helped manage the program that gave out 3,000 toys. “Thank you so much for a very Merry Christmas. My family got everything we need with your generosity,” said one client.

For privacy reasons, the identity of KSM clients is not revealed. “Both of my young sons are now all set with warm clothes for the winter, as well as happy with the toys they got. With the gift cards we received for Food Basics and Walmart. We also had a lovely holiday dinner and were able to get some practical items for my husband and me to use around the apartment! We send our heartfelt thanks, and hope we’re able to give back this year, to help others,” another client stated.

In a town that’s known for its luxury homes and high-income earners, it may be surprising to some to learn that poverty affects 9.4 percent of its residents. That’s more than 21,000 people (about the seating capacity of Scotiabank Arena in Toronto).

This fundraising program is funded solely by the generosity of the community, Avery says. “We look to them to provide support. Our biggest ask is financial,” she says, noting that there are various levels of donations that benefit everyone from individuals to families.

A $100 donation provides for an individual, a $200 donation for a family of two, $600 provides for an average-sized family, and $1,600 provides for a family for Christmas and beyond. Planning for the program begins in September and will wrap up in January.

For more information, visit: KerrStreet.com/christmaswonders-donate