Jan 26, 2026
Holidays of Hope Campaign a Success
The holiday season is always a challenging time in the HomeBridge Community, as many of the young people wish they could be with family rather than in their current situation. Sadly, most cannot go home, as it can be unpredictable and even unsafe. We do our best to create positive, caring experiences for them while they are with us, and the support of many donors has made a meaningful difference.
Each program plans holiday activities that reflect the unique needs and interests of the young people currently living there. At Sullivan House, all residents were present for the holidays and eager to celebrate. The team purchased matching slippers and pajamas for each young person and had them embroidered with their names. They planned movie nights, diamond art nights, a spa night, outings to see Christmas lights, and many other fun activities.
Youth Care Workers described Christmas as “the cutest day ever” when the young people woke up at 3:30 a.m., excited to open gifts. Each person was allowed to open one gift before heading back to bed for a few more hours. When they woke up again, the group collectively decided to open only half of their gifts and save the rest to open later with the evening shift of Youth Care Workers, so everyone could share in the experience together. Over dinner, they talked about how amazing their gifts were. One young person has been wearing a cheetah-print snuggy almost non-stop, while another decided that LEGO flowers were a favourite. Everyone was very happy with what they found under the tree and shared that they felt “spoiled.”
At Jubien House and Cogswell House, the young people had different interests and chose to celebrate in their own way. They enjoyed lots of fun food, movie nights, and other holiday activities, including a specially requested breakfast. Pancakes with homemade blueberry sauce were on the menu while presents were opened. The most popular gifts this year were gift cards for fast food and other popular places. Unlike many of their peers, youth-in-care do not receive an allowance from their parents or have many opportunities to earn money, so gift cards are a real treat. They offer independence and a sense of normalcy. If friends are going to Tim Hortons, for example, they can also join in and purchase something of their own. While everything they received was appreciated, gift cards had the biggest impact this year.
The holiday spirit was also strong at Hawthorne House. The young people participated in choosing and decorating a new tree for the house and made special crafts as gifts for the Youth Care Team to thank them for their ongoing support. The overall atmosphere was one of gratitude. The young people were happy with what they received, and the Youth Care Workers were deeply touched by the handmade gifts. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters.
Spending the holidays away from family can be difficult, but thanks to everyone who supported our Holidays of Hope Campaign, the season was noticeably brighter across the HomeBridge Community. In addition to the many donated gifts and stocking stuffers, more than $12,000 was raised to support celebrations throughout the year. These funds have already been used for outings and activities, holiday décor, and festive meals, and they will continue to ensure that every holiday and special occasion in 2026 is meaningful.
Every young person is unique, and this support allows us to honour the diverse cultures, traditions, and interests within the HomeBridge Community. Thank you to everyone who helped us create positive, memorable experiences for the young people we have the privilege of working with.
