10 Ways To Help This Holiday Season
Winter is here and the holidays are just around the corner. Regardless of which winter festivities you partake in, many would agree that the holiday season is one of the most joyful times of the year. But while most are gathered around warm fires and hearty family dinners, others are struggling to access shelters and warming centres to get out of the cold. Learn more about what you can do to make a difference.
Here’s ten unique ways to help those accessing oneROOF Youth Services this holiday season….
1. Monetary Donations
Monetary donations are the best way to support oneROOF Youth Services!
We rely heavily on the generosity of our community. Your donation can help make a positive difference in the lives of the youth we serve!
Donate online in a few clicks; right here on our website.
Quick, Easy & Secure… DONATE NOW
2. Donate By Program
Want to support a specific program or department? Great news, you can donate to a particular type of support by exploring our services under the “What We Do” tab.
Passionate about education and employment? Donate to The SEE Program! Want to help with immediate aid? Give to our emergency shelter, PAR.
Other services include: Family Reconnect, Mental Health & Addictions, Supportive Housing, and more!
Donate to a specific department by filling out the donation form on that page. View all our service departments here.
3. Drop Off Needed Items
In-kind donations (aka physical items) are greatly appreciated. However, we ask that you consult our Wish List of needed items (or contact our Fund Developer) prior to arranging your donation.
Many items are in need this season, while others are in healthy supply. With our limited storage space and requirements surrounding certain items (hygiene products, under garments, etc.) we ask that you read through our wish list website page to insure your donation makes the best impact possible!
View our Wish List, here.
4. Give The Best Gift:
GIFT CARDS!
One item that’s always welcome is gift cards! If you’d like to insure the youth we serve receive something special this Christmas, consider donating a gift card.
Gift cards are a wonderful way to give a little something extra to those in need this holiday season. Meeting immediate needs is important; hygiene products, outerwear, food and supplies are wonderful donations to organizations like ours. But typical holiday gifts are often in short supply for those we serve.
Everyone deserves a gift on Christmas, including the unhoused. Gift cards allow us to purchase that little something extra.
Gift cards welcome include: AMAZON, WALMART, CANADIAN TIRE, DOLLAR STORES, GROCERY STORES, TIM HORTON’S, ETC.
5. Shop Our Fundraisers: Buy Your Stocking Stuffers Here
Support oneROOF Youth Services this yuletide season by shopping one of our two holiday fundraisers…
🍫 Rhéo Thompson Candies' iconic Mint Smoothies® are back! Order the perfect stocking stuffer through our fundraiser. Dark and milk chocolate available. Place your order in just a few clicks. ORDER NOW
🌱 Need a gift for the gardener in your life? Check out this unique stocking stuffer! Order your #MakeItSow Plant & Vegetable Seeds by December 15th to get in time for Christmas. Use code “ORYS_2024” to participate in the fundraiser. ORDER NOW
6. Support Third Party Events
We’re lucky to have local churches, community/service clubs, businesses and individuals supporting us year round. This holiday season, the following events are collecting funds/items for oneROOF Youth Services…
Orange Door Campaign: Nov. 28th – Dec. 17th, 2923
The Home Depot at 100 Gateway Park Dr. Kitchener (Store #7017) is collecting funds for oneROOF Youth Services via their Orange Door Campaign. Learn More
Charity Hockey Game: December 22nd, 2023
Home Depot, Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) and Kitchener Minor Hockey is bringing you a Charity Hockey Game in support of oneROOF Youth Services. Come on by Activa - Patrick J Doherty Arena and watch Kitchener Jr. Rangers U16 AAA take on WRPS’ Blue Crew.
7. Sign Up For Our Email List
Stay connected to help beyond the holidays! Join our email list to receive our monthly newsletters so you can support oneROOF Youth Services all year round.
Read up on the latest news and stay informed as we announce events, celebrate donors, and share success stories. Hear from CEO, Sandy Dietrich-Bell or be the first to know about our upcoming fundraisers.
We’ll email you approximately once a month. Remember to follow us on social media to stay informed day-to-day.
8.
Support Us On Social Media
Speaking of social media… Numbers matter! Following, liking, and sharing the content of local charities helps them grow and reach their goals. Education and awareness is an important part of our mission.
Can’t make a donation this holiday season? A follow, like or share costs nothing. Help us spread awareness and grow our audience….
9. Donate To “Shelter A Youth”
Did you know you can cover the exact cost of a shelter stay? What a great gift to give this holiday season!
Of course, our shelter is free for those in need, but it doesn’t pay for itself. Donations like yours are what keep the doors open. Make a donation in the name of a loved one and give them the gift of knowing a young person is off the street and out of the cold tonight thanks to them.
Pay for a youth’s night, week, or months stay in our shelter. This covers everything from bedding, to shower supplies and food during their overnight.
10. Join Our Volunteer Team
You know what they say — “it takes a village.”
Join our village to be a part of the difference we make in the lives of those we serve. Consider becoming a volunteer.
We are grateful for all our staff and volunteers. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to complete the application form on our volunteer page.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career with oneROOF Youth Services, please navigate to our careers page to browse any potential job openings.