There are just 10 days until Christmas, but there are still more than 300 households in Ottawa who are waiting to hear if the Caring & Sharing Exchange can provide them with a warm meal for Christmas. The Christmas Exchange program has been in existence for 106 years, assisting those in need – most of which are seniors and children, with food assistance in the form of a voucher or a food hamper. This program ensures that struggling families can enjoy a healthy and festive meal, leaving them with a sense of dignity and hope for the new year.
For families who have lost income or seniors who have been living in isolation during the pandemic, being able to shop for food or having money to purchase all the fixings for a Christmas dinner is a privilege they can’t afford. This year, the Caring and Sharing Exchange received applications from over 6,500 households requesting food assistance over the holidays, as of today 310 households are still on their waitlist to receive help.
The food hampers provided through the Christmas Exchange Program contain all the fixings to create a festive holiday meal: from turkey and stuffing to cookies and hot chocolate. They also include a variety of vegetables and fruits. In partnership with Giant Tiger, they also offer gift vouchers to households who may have dietary restrictions or don’t feel comfortable having a hamper delivered to their door. These vouchers offer recipients the flexibility to shop for items that suit the needs of their family.
If there’s any way you can help out, you can do so by visiting www.CaringandSharing.ca
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