Granting wishes & spreading joy –  that’s the magic of our Holiday Program!

Whether you’re a first-time donor or a longtime supporter, you are a vital part of creating holiday magic for those who need it most in our community. Together, we can create a holiday season filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. Imagine the excitement of a child unwrapping a gift and finding exactly what they wished for. Think of the warmth in a family’s heart when they see the community rally behind them.

It’s a magical experience – we're so excited for you to be a part of it!

Should you have any questions or need help with this form, please contact us at holiday@familyconnexions.ca or call Jasmine at 705-817-1140.

FAQ's

As your local child welfare services and child & youth mental health provider, Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions (SMFC) provides needed services to vulnerable children, youth, and families in our community, many of whom struggle to meet their basic needs. Your support this holiday season will provide them with hope and knowledge that someone cares.

Through our sponsorship program, generous donors and partnerships with local businesses and organizations, we are able to help close to 3,000 children, youth and families across Simcoe and Muskoka.

What is the the Holiday Program?
The program is intended to assist agency clients who are currently struggling financially and unable to afford a holiday celebration. They include kin care providers, mental health clients, family service users and youth in independent living. It is an inclusive program for individuals of any race, creed, or religious affiliation. It is intended to support a winter celebration of their choosing.

How can I help?
Just as there is diversity in those we help, we know donors have a variety of reasons, ways, and means to support those in need. You can chose to sponsor and shop for children, youth, and/or families by building gift packages based on wish lists, buy items in bulk so that our team can build gift packages, or provide a financial donation to cover the cost of specialized requests.

How are clients nominated?
Eligibility is based on need and applications submitted by SMFC frontline workers. As frontline workers know their clients best, we rely on them to evaluate who would benefit from being sponsored. 

Bulk Donations

This year, we have split our donation needs into categories so you can shop or hold your drive with a theme in mind! You can review the items we need most from each category on our Amazon wish lists linked below.

1. Most Needed - All Categories
2. Toiletries & Essentials
3. Infants & Toddlers
4. Teens & Independent Youth
5. Caregivers

You can use these lists as guides while shopping or collecting in the community, or conveniently purchase directly from these lists to have your donation shipped to our head office!

If you will be shopping or collecting in the community, please note that we do not need the exact items that are linked on our Amazon wish lists - similar items to what is listed are just as great! If you prefer to view a physical list, please click here. 

We will be accommodating drop-off days up until December 20th (but the earlier you can drop off, the better for our team and clients!) at our Barrie Toy Depot or in our Barrie, Bracebridge, Huntsville, Collingwood, Midland, and Orillia branch offices between operating hours of Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with the exception of lunch from 12-1).

If you have any questions about bulk item donations, please contact Jasmine at holiday@familyconnexions.ca or 705-817-1140.

Happy shopping!