Sponsor-a-Youth Program
Every year, FACS Niagara supports hundreds of youth as they make their transition to independent living, but it’s donors who help make the transition easier and special by donating new, day-to-day household items to start them down the road to independence.
The current conditions in Niagara with a lack of affordable housing and the increased costs of daily living make it even more challenging for our youth to venture out on their own. In addition to adapting to these overwhelming circumstances, our youth tend to lack familial support and require tangible assistance with their transition into independence, now more than ever.
Many community members enjoy sponsoring a youth over the holidays, but we welcome requests year-round.
How it works
When you sponsor a youth, you will be given the profile of a young person in your community and their wish list of common household items including but not limited to:
- Kitchen and cleaning supplies
- Sheets and comforters
- Towels and bathroom supplies
- Pet food and toys
- Personal hygiene items
Have a little extra room in your budget? Our young people always appreciate the following items that add fun and peace of mind to their holiday season:
- Gift cards to stores they frequent (e.g. Walmart, No Frills, Food Basics)
- Clothing
- Items specific to their interests (e.g. books, art supplies, exercise items)
- Little luxuries (e.g. Starbucks or Tim Hortons gift cards, movie passes, candy)
We appreciate you wrapping the gifts, and then we deliver them in time for the holidays!
Invite your friends, family, coworkers, or congregation to support young people in care as they begin their adult lives.
Please fill out our brief Expression of Interest form here, and someone will be in touch with you soon to start the process! You can also email us at foundation@facsniagara.on.ca, or call us at 905-937-7731 ext. 3225.
Key dates:
Last day to sign up as a sponsor – Monday, December 8
Last day to drop off donations for your youth – Friday, December 12
Drop off locations:
FACS St. Catharines Office – 82 Hannover Drive between 8:30am-4:30pm
FACS Niagara Falls Office (preferred location) – 7900 Canadian Drive between 8:30am-4:30pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I expected to purchase every item on my youth’s wish list?
We understand that everyone has different budget constraints, and we appreciate any support you can provide. While we encourage you to fulfill as many items on the wish list as possible- since these may be the only gifts your youth receives during the holidays – there is no expectation to purchase everything. Feel free to explore affordable options, like the Dollar Store, for basic household items, and consider reaching out to friends, family, or coworkers to help you make your youth’s wish list come to life!
How much do people usually spend on their youth?
We find that a budget of between $250-$500 can typically purchase most of the items on a youth’s wish list.
Can I request a tax receipt for the items I purchase?
Yes! Please download and fill in our Receipt Tracking Form and return it to us with your receipts. Note: As per CRA rules, we are only able to receipt the person who purchased the items. Each individual must complete their own form for the items they purchased in order to receive a tax receipt.
Should I wrap the gifts?
We do appreciate you wrapping your youth’s gifts.
Can I include a card or note with my gifts?
A heartfelt note or card at the holidays is always treasured by our young people. Whether you choose to identify yourself or not, is up to you.