The SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program is facing a decline in financial donations compared to this time last year.
The organization aims to raise $285,000 to support residents in need this holiday season, providing grocery store gift cards to ensure meaningful holiday meals and nourishment during the winter months.
As of early December, SOS has raised $100,000 towards its goal — $20,000 less than what had been raised last year. However, the number of registered households has increased in 2024, with nearly 600 registered households so far and three more weeks remaining to register. In 2023, there was a total of 861 household registrations.
“It’s a challenging time for many in our community,” said SOS executive director Susanna Newton. “Every day, we see people struggling with rising prices and housing issues, so it’s no surprise that more people than ever before are registering for the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program. Unfortunately, while the need has grown, donations have decreased, and we are behind compared to last year.”
The SOS Christmas program provides struggling families and individuals with grocery store gift cards, so they can choose food important to them over the holidays.
The SOS Toy Shop, stocked with donations from the community, provides gifts for children and youth, ensuring they find something special under the tree on Christmas morning.
The program also collaborates with the Qualicum Beach Newcomers Club to provide Christmas stockings to seniors (aged 65+) who are shut-in or without close friends or family.
The ongoing postal strike is affecting donations, Newton explained, as SOS typically receives a lot of donations by mail. Newton suggested people consider donating online this year and give the gift of giving. “Make a donation in honour of someone instead of buying something they may not need, or give yourself the gift of supporting the community.”
This year, SOS is offering the chance to give the gift of community support through a holiday In Honour donation.
By completing the In Honour Of section on the donation page of the SOS website, you can celebrate someone special by giving them the gift of helping those in need. Donors can also download a personalized note to share the impact of their gift, and the honouree's first name and last initial will be featured on SOS's Christmas Honours webpage throughout December.
The SOS Christmas program supports individuals of all ages, from infancy to seniors.
One senior participant said, “The food helps me get through Christmas as money is very low at this time, and now I have a brother with cancer living with me. So, all SOS does for me is great and very much appreciated.”
An anonymous single mother said the program eases her holiday worries. “It uplifts my spirit and my daughter’s eyes light up with joy on Christmas morning.”
“Without the SOS Christmas program, Christmas would be pretty bleak,” said an anonymous grandmother. “Thank you for helping provide for myself and my grandchildren.”
To learn more about the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program or to make a financial donation, visit www.sosd69.com, or call 250-248-2093.
Drop by the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville with a gift or a financial donation during business hours, attend an event that benefits the program, or locate an SOS Angel Tree at a participating business.
