The Caring Neighbours program is still in dire need of sponsors to make Christmas merrier for some local families.
Family Services of Greater Vancouver oversees the program, which matches sponsors with donors. The focus of the program is matching donors with local seniors and families in need.
“I still have about 40 families I haven’t matched and a big long waiting list,” said Patricia Steiner, coordinator of community education and development services. “We still have a big need for sponsors and/or donations.”
Last year, the program matched 155 families with donors. It’s expecting that number will be closer to 200 families this year.
So far this year, the Caring Neighbours program has done well matching seniors and smaller families, but the biggest challenge has been fulfilling the Christmas needs of larger families with five to eight people. While it can be overwhelming for people to sponsor a whole family, Steiner said donations allow the society to put together gifts for those larger families.
“It’s expensive if they are on their own or not in a group,” she said. “We can take donations of anything - $10, $20. We put it together and we will make it happen for them.”
While there are still a few families with two or three family members waiting to be matched with sponsors, there are a considerable number of six-, seven- and eight-member families still needing to be matched.
“That’s where donations really come in handy. We can give them gift cards too,” Steiner said. “Most of those bigger families, you can imagine what they’re asking for are boots and jackets, diapers. It’s not even asking for toys mostly. Mostly with the bigger families, they just need the basics.”
The Caring Neighbours program attempts to match larger business with bigger families, but has noticed some businesses are also having to scale back their contributions this year.
“People who are returning as sponsors are also having to pare down a little,” Steiner said. “For instance, maybe they had a family of four last year and they asked for a two or a three. I think whatever is happening is affecting all of us, the donors and the recipients.”
Family Services of Greater Vancouver began administering the Caring Neighbours hamper program three years ago, after another local organization was no longer able to offer the program. Year-round, Family Services offers a range of services for youth and families.
To contribute to the Caring Neighbours program, contact Family Services of Greater Vancouver at 604-525-9144 extension 3659 or email [email protected].
