October 26, 2021
Once again this year, the Rotary Club of Guelph will “Adopt-A-Family” for Christmas, and we’re asking for the usual generosity of club members and friends so that we can become the Secret Santa for families and youth in need.
In 2020, our Rotary Club of Guelph supported four families with gift cards and provided snowsuits and snow boots for 11 chilly children. How many families and youth can we support this year?
PLEASE DONATE RIGHT NOW
Our club volunteers will do all the necessary organizing on your behalf, and you will receive a tax receipt for your donation.
Preferred option: Canada Helps
Donate through our Rotary Club of Guelph’s CANADA HELPS page here:
Tax receipts will automatically be issued by Canada Helps, and it will be easy for us to track the total amount donated this way.
Alternative option: Mail a cheque
Make your cheque out to Rotary Club of Guelph (memo line: Adopt-A-Family) and mail to:
1002 – 150 Wellington Street E
Guelph ON N1H 0B5
You will later receive a tax receipt from the Rotary Club of Guelph for donations over $20.
Adopt-A-Family is a bit different for 2021 - A Hybrid Model
Traditionally, Adopt-A-Family asked us to buy gifts for our adopted families. In 2020, due to COVID, they asked instead that we supply gift cards for our families.
This year, the Children’s Foundation (which organizes Adopt-a-Family) has created a new hybrid model of gifts and gift cards. Children and youth will once again be asked to create a wish list for Santa and we will be buying actual gifts from the wish list. But we will also be asked to provide gift cards for the children’s needs and grocery cards so that the whole family can enjoy a special holiday meal.
Background information
This wonderful “Adopt-A-Family” program is coordinated by the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington in cooperation with local social agencies that submit details about needy families. The Children’s Foundation acts as the go-between, matching donors and recipients, but maintaining anonymity from both sides.
Adopt-A-Family provides donors (that’s us) with actual wish lists from children (and some needs noted by their parents). This year, we will provide gifts from the children’s wish lists and gift cards for the appropriate stores to help the families shop themselves for their needs. Every family will also receive grocery gift cards so they can enjoy a special holiday meal.
2020 Facts
- 3,136 children and youth woke up to gifts thanks to thousands of Adopt-A-Family donors.
- 1,434 family and independent youth referrals were sent to the program in a record breaking year.
- 5,266 holiday meals were provided to families and youth through grocery gift cards.