Holiday Hope 2025
Every holiday season, our community comes together to brighten the lives of children, youth, and families connected to Durham Children’s Aid Society. Holiday Hope is more than a campaign, it’s a movement of compassion that turns generosity into dignity, belonging, and joy.
This year, the tradition grows with the first-ever Holiday Hope Shop a welcoming, store-style space where caregivers can personally choose gifts and essentials for their children, at no cost. The result is simple and profound: families feel empowered, and every child experiences the magic of the holidays.
About Holiday Hope
For decades, Holiday Hope has helped families in our community experience the joy and comfort of the season. Led by the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, the program supports those facing financial hardship, family crisis, or life transitions, ensuring that every child and youth feels valued and included.
What began as neighbours sponsoring families has grown into a region-wide network of caring individuals, businesses, and volunteers who remind families that they’re not alone. Together, we’re building a community where everyone can thrive at the holidays and all year long.
Shop for a Child or Youth
Every child deserves the magic of the holidays, the joy of unwrapping a gift chosen with love, and the comfort of knowing their family was supported with dignity and care. You can make that possible.
When you sign up to shop, you’ll be matched with a child or youth and receive their age, gender, and wish list. Purchase new, unwrapped gifts and include a $50 grocery gift card per child.
Stories of Hope
Behind every gift is a story — a spark of joy, a sigh of relief, or a moment of healing. Here are just a few voices from families whose holidays were brighter because of you.
“My son said, ‘Mama, Santa find us here!’ That moment I cried. We felt like maybe we can start again — like maybe we are not alone.”
“After the fire, my youngest hugged her new teddy bear and whispered, ‘This one’s not burned.’ That gift helped us heal.”
Wrap for Hope at Oshawa Centre
Volunteer at our gift-wrapping station from December 1 – 24. Shoppers donate to have gifts wrapped — and every dollar supports the Holiday Hope Shop.
Roles: Wrappers · Greeters · Check-Out Helpers
Important Dates
- 🗓️ Drive Drop-Off: December 1 – 9 (Oshawa)
- 🎁 Holiday Hope Shop Opens: December 10
- 🎀 Wrap for Hope Shifts: December 1 – 24
Thank You to Our Partners
Together We Thrive
When we come together as a community, we do more than give gifts — we give families belonging, connection, and hope.
