With Christmas just 5 days away, The Outreach Centre is still looking for monetary donations for Adopt a Family.
Using donated funds, The Outreach Centre provides gift cards to single parent families in central Alberta, allowing parents and caregivers to purchase the gifts or food that they know they need for their families. This year, 208 families with over 450 children combined have applied for Adopt a Family. In 2021, 171 families applied.
“The response from the community has been good so far, but the demand has increased and the number of families needing support this year is very high”, says Ian Wheeliker, Executive Director of The Outreach Centre. “With support from the community, we can provide some relief to these families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to enjoy the holiday season.”
Pre-pandemic, donors were allowed to handpick toys for children and families, but the switch to supplying parents with gift cards has become a more efficient and empowering way to help out.
“Since making the switch to gift cards, we’ve received positive feedback from parents who have really enjoyed being able to go out and shop for their children”, says Wheeliker. “We want to bring joy and hope to these families. That’s what this program is all about.”
The Outreach Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. If you are interested in donating to Adopt a Family, you can stop by the office, call 403.347.2480, email info@theoutreachcentre.org or visit www.theoutreachcentre.org/donate/adopt-a-family/ to donate online. The office is located at 4101 – 54 Avenue in Red Deer.