For many of the children, youth and families we work with at FACS, the holidays add an extra layer of hardship. For kids living in stressful home environments, the school break can amplify feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. For the young people we serve who are living on their own without ties to family, the holidays often feel painfully lonely.
But with your generous support, we can bring comfort, connection, and joy to those who need it most this holiday season and give them hope for a brighter future.
Every year, FACS Niagara provides more than 600 families with ongoing service and support and works with approximately 430 children and teenagers in foster care (monthly average). Our New Outlooks and Beginnings team supports over 150 young people between 15-23 years of age with their transition from foster care to independent living.
At this special time of year, Gift of Hope aims to bring joy, dignity, and a dose of holiday magic to the children, youth, and families we serve – through the holidays and into the New Year.
When you make a Gift of Hope today, you’re giving…
The Gift of Family
Your Gift of Hope gives over 100 young people in care a ‘home for the holidays’ by funding a big holiday celebration with their FACS family. For most of the young people we serve, our Home for the Holidays event will be their only holiday celebration – and it’s people like you who make it special! This festive occasion includes a huge traditional feast (with plenty of leftovers to take home!), gifts for everyone, and an abundance of holiday cheer!
The Gift of Holiday Magic
Your Gift of Hope ensures families who are struggling financially have toys and gifts to give their little ones over the holidays. For the children and teens living in our three group homes, donations provide gifts and a special meal to make the holidays bright.
The Gift of Education
Gifts of Hope help make college or university a reality for young people in foster care, by funding bursaries that assist with the cost of tuition and living expenses. 89 young people received donor-funded bursaries last year!
The Gift of Self-Sufficiency
For young people transitioning from foster care to living independently, your Gift of Hope gives them access to critical life skills training in cooking, budgeting, cleaning, filing taxes, pet care, healthy relationships, and more, setting them up for a successful life and long-term stability.
The Gift of Childhood
What is childhood without summer camp? For kids we serve who are experiencing challenges at home, camp is a critical opportunity for them to let loose, make friends, and learn new things. Last year, your donations helped fund over 700 weeks of summer camp for at-risk kids. Gifts of Hope help kids be kids
Ways to Give
Make a Donation
Financial donations are the best way for us to get the support where it’s needed the most this holiday season. Please consider making a donation in one of the following ways:
1. Online by clicking the Donate Now button below
2. By cheque, made out to “FACS Niagara Foundation” and sent to 82 Hannover Drive, PO Box 24028, St. Catharines ON L2R 7P7
3. Make a gift of stocks or securities and save the capital gains tax! Contact Ellen Schonewille at 905-937-7731 ext. 3290 to learn more.
Sponsor-a-Youth
Help our young people who are making the transition from foster care to independent living, by sponsoring a youth this holiday season.
You will receive the profile and wish list of one of our young people in need of support. You go shopping, wrap the gifts, and then return them to us for delivery to the lucky young person!
Donate new and unwrapped Gifts and Toys
We gratefully accept donations of new and unwrapped gifts and toys between November 12 – December 20 for children we serve who may not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season.
We are seeking donations for children and youth from newborns to 23 year olds.
We do not accept donations of toy guns (including Nerf guns) and razors.
Please drop off donations to our St. Catharines office at 82 Hannover Drive.
Questions?
Please contact:
Ellen Schonewille, Senior Manager, Donor Relations: ellen.schonewille@facsniagara.on.ca, 905-937-7731 ext. 3290
Carly Eckhardt, Community Engagement Coordinator: carly.eckhardt@facsniagara.on.ca, 905-937-7731 ext. 3225