DURHAM CHILDREN’S AID FOUNDATION

Holiday Hope 2026

The greatest gift isn’t what’s inside a box. It’s the power to choose.

Every child deserves to feel celebrated. Every caregiver deserves the joy of giving. Join us in creating meaningful holiday experiences for children, youth and families across Durham Region.

Find Your Way to Give →

Our community fills the shelves. Families make the choices.

Dignity. Belonging. Joy.

GET INVOLVED

Five Ways to Make Hope Happen

Whether you shop, volunteer, give or bring your community together, there’s a place for you in Holiday Hope.

01 / PARTNER

Become a Corporate Partner

Bring your team together. Make a difference that lasts.

From sponsorship and community recognition to employee engagement and meaningful team experiences, Holiday Hope offers opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

Explore a partnership that combines team building, generosity and lasting community impact.

Planning something for your team? Connect with Helen to explore a customized experience.

02 / SHOP

Shop for a Child or Youth

Make your giving personal. Make their holidays meaningful.

Choose an age group and shop for thoughtful gifts to help fill our Holiday Hope Family Shop.

From something cozy to wear and something fun to do to a special gift they’ll love, your generosity helps caregivers choose gifts for their own children.

Shop individually, with family or with friends.

03 / GIVE TOGETHER

Host a Holiday Hope Drive

Bring your people together for something meaningful.

Rally your workplace, school, sports team, service club or group of friends to collect gifts, games, cozy clothing, gift cards or financial contributions.

We’ll provide our Holiday Hope Drive Toolkit, including collection guidelines, promotional materials and helpful resources to get started.

04 / VOLUNTEER

Volunteer With Us

Give your time. Share the joy. Be part of something special.

Help wrap gifts at Oshawa Centre, support special events, receive and organize donations, move supplies or prepare our Family Shop.

Volunteer schedules are coming soon. Join our interest list to be among the first to receive dates, shifts and registration details.

Planning a corporate volunteer day? Contact Helen about a customized team experience.

05 / DONATE

Make a Financial Gift

Give hope for the holidays. Help make possibility last all year.

Your generosity supports the Foundation’s highest-priority needs, from Holiday Hope to year-round programs, services and essential operations.

THE POWER OF CHOICE

More Than Gifts.

Choosing gifts for someone we love is one of the most joyful parts of the holidays. We believe every caregiver deserves that experience.

Through the Holiday Hope Family Shop, caregivers connected to Durham Children’s Aid Society can personally select gifts for their children in a welcoming, store-style environment, at no cost.

Our community fills the shelves. Families make the choices.

BEYOND THE HOLIDAYS

Hope Doesn’t End When the Holidays Do.

A child’s need for belonging, stability and opportunity doesn’t end in December.

Throughout the year, Durham Children’s Aid Foundation helps children and youth access bursaries, camps, tutoring, emergency assistance and essential support.

Financial gifts also support the programs and essential operations that make this work possible.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Holiday Hope 2026

November 22 Oshawa Generals
Holiday Hope Game
December 1–24 Wrap for Hope
Oshawa Centre
December 1–9 Gift Donation Drop-Off
By appointment in Oshawa
December 10 Holiday Hope
Family Shop Opens

Gift donors are encouraged to arrange their drop-off early so our team has time to receive, sort and prepare donations. The final regular drop-off is December 9 at 12:30 p.m. Location details are provided to registered donors.

Questions? We’d Love to Help.

Helen Knelsen

Sponsorships, Corporate Engagement
& Volunteering

helen.knelsen@durhamcaf.ca

905-433-1551 ext. 2234

Jackie Vieira

Individual Shopping, Group Giving
& Gift Drives

jacqueline.vieira@durhamcaf.ca

905-433-1551 ext. 2781

Julie Van Hartingsveldt

Major Partnerships
& Media Inquiries

julie.vanhartingsveldt@durhamcaf.ca

905-433-1551 ext. 2823

Durham Children’s Aid Foundation   |   Together We Thrive.

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