Despite having two incomes, Ellen’s* family still cannot afford Christmas presents and a fulsome holiday meal (*name changed to protect her identity).
“We share a vehicle and the kids and I bus as much as possible,” she said. “I work part-time and am very frugal, but it’s still out of reach to have a nice meal and a few gifts for our kids.”
This is the first time Ellen has accessed the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program. Previously, she donated to the program.
The SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program helps struggling local families provide gifts for their children and youth, so they can find something special under the tree Christmas morning. Parents, caregivers, and grandparents choose gifts for children and youth in the SOS Toy Shop, which is stocked with donations of new, unwrapped gifts from the community. Families and individuals receive grocery store gift cards so they can choose food that is important to them over the holidays. The program also works with the Qualicum Beach Newcomers Club to provide Christmas stockings to seniors who are shut-in or without close friends or family.
Ellen said her family’s struggles began during the pandemic, depleting their savings. This year has brought reductions to her husband’s work, making things even more challenging. Asking for help wasn’t easy, she said.
“It took a lot for me to come through these doors for my family,” she explained.
SOS has seen needs increase this year, and the number of people accessing the Christmas program is anticipated to be higher than last year.
“We’ve seen many new faces at registration so far this year,” said Susanna Newton, SOS executive director. “A lot of families and individuals who were once financially stable are now seeking help.”
Celia (a pseudonym) is a local low-income senior who has accessed the SOS Christmas program before. She said the program has been very helpful in providing gifts for her grandchildren, and enabling her to prepare a holiday meal.
“We were able to invite our family and grandchildren over for dinner as we were able to purchase extra food with the gift card,” she said. “Our grandchildren were thrilled with their gifts, however we were more thrilled to have gifts to give them.”
Celia said the program alleviated a lot of stress for her and her husband, and she’s so grateful for this support from the community.
SOS is working to raise $285,000 to meet the needs of residents this Christmas and into the winter. Donations of new, unwrapped gifts will help fill the SOS Toy Shop.
To learn more about the SOS Christmas program, or to make a financial donation, visit www.sosd69.com, or call 250-248-2093. Drop in to the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville with a gift or financial donation during business hours, attend an event that benefits the program, or locate an SOS Angel Tree at a participating business.
