Holiday Hope 2025: A Season of Dignity and Joy

For more than 50 years, Holiday Hope has brought light and comfort to children, youth, and families across Durham. This year, Holiday Hope is evolving into a Pop-Up Shop, a festive space where families can choose the gifts that are right for their children.

About the Change

Holiday Hope has always been about more than gifts. It has been about dignity, joy, and the comfort of knowing someone cares. This year, the program is evolving from pre-packed hampers to a Holiday Hope Pop-Up Shop. Families will step into a welcoming, festive space where they can choose gifts for their children — items that reflect their needs, interests, and personalities.

Why this Change?

Holiday Hope has always been about more than gifts. It has been about dignity, joy, and the comfort of knowing someone cares. Over the years, we also heard stories of families feeling unequal, some children received more, others less. Parents told us they wished for the dignity of choosing the gifts that fit their children best.

The Holiday Hope Pop-Up Shop makes that possible. Families will walk into a festive, welcoming space and pick out gifts that reflect their children’s unique needs and personalities. It ensures every child receives something special, and every donor knows their gift is part of creating fairness.

The traditions you love are still here. You can still shop from wish lists by age and gender. You can still rally your colleagues or your family to collect meaningful items. Now there are also new ways to make an impact: gift cards, pooled donations, and sponsorships that allow us to stretch generosity even further.

At its heart, Holiday Hope is still the same: dignity, joy, and community. This change is simply making sure more children experience those things.

Ways to Get Involved

There are many ways to be part of Holiday Hope this year:

• Shop from wish lists by age and gender (available in October).
• Donate gift cards ($25–$100 for grocery, Amazon, Indigo, or youth-focused retailers).
• Make a financial gift online to help us purchase high-need items and grocery cards.
• Corporate sponsorships & team volunteering opportunities are available at the Holiday Hope Shop and Oshawa Centre Gift Wrapping Station.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Holiday Hope is made possible because of generous partners in our community. Corporate sponsorship ensures dignity and joy for more than 800 children and youth while giving your team a chance to get involved through shopping, volunteering, and fundraising. Your support provides more than gifts. It creates dignity, choice, and hope for families who need it most, and helps every child feel seen and celebrated during the holiday season.

Download the Sponsorship Package here.

Donor Sign-Up

Donors will be able to choose how they want to participate, shop from wish lists, give gift cards, or make a sponsorship gift. Coming soon

Family Sign-Up

Families will be able to register for Holiday Hope through a simple online form. Coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is changing this year?
Holiday Hope is moving from pre-packed hampers to a Holiday Hope Pop-Up Shop. Families will visit a festive, welcoming space where they can choose gifts that are right for their children. Every family will also receive a grocery gift card.

Can I still shop for a family?
Yes. You can still shop from wish lists organized by age and gender. Your donations will be displayed in the Shop so families can select what fits their children.

Are gift cards still needed?
Absolutely. They provide flexibility for families, ensure older youth can choose for themselves, and help fill in gaps in high-need areas.

Will I still hear family stories?
Yes. Family stories remain at the heart of Holiday Hope. Throughout the season, we will share updates that connect you to the children and families your generosity supports.

Download the full FAQ here.

Community Events

Holiday Hope 2025 includes:

• Oshawa Centre Gift Wrapping Station – November 28 to December 31
• Oshawa Generals Holiday Hope Game – December 12
• Holiday Hope Kickoff Event (TBC) – early December

Contact Us

Questions about Holiday Hope or how to get involved right now?

Email us at HolidayHope@durhamcaf.ca