Niagara Falls, ON – As the holiday season approaches, Project SHARE is calling on the
community to help make the season brighter for those in need. This year, the organization
expects to support more than 7,500 individuals and households through its Christmas
program, which provides holiday meals and toys, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to
celebrate.
Last year, the program supported 3,060 households, representing 6,600 individuals. As of
mid-November, over 1,500 households, representing over 4,300 individuals, have already
registered for this year’s program. Based on current trends, Project SHARE anticipates a
15% increase in registrations compared to last year. Eligible households must meet specific
criteria, including an income falling below the low-income measure as defined by Statistics
Canada, to register.
The Sponsor a Family program offers community members a meaningful way to directly
assist families by providing meals and gifts tailored to their needs. Last year, fewer than 200
households were matched with sponsors, leaving nearly 90% of families to rely on general
community donations.
Holiday support began as early as November 1st, with individuals and families receiving gift
cards for holiday meals. Distribution of toys for families with children 17 and under runs from
the last week of November through December 24th.
Project SHARE has seen a sharp rise in demand across all its programs. For example, the
Back-to-School initiative experienced a 25% increase in requests for assistance this year,
supporting over 1,200 children with shoes, school supplies, and backpacks.
“We are concerned about our capacity to meet the need for assistance this holiday season”
explained Pam Sharp, Project SHARE’s Executive Director. “We saw requests for
assistance come in right up until closing time before the holidays last year and we were
putting out last minute pleas for donations. When more people in our community need our
support that naturally means less people are in a position to give, and we need those that
can to help us support our neighbours this holiday season.”
To meet the growing need for toys and food during the holidays, Project SHARE’s Stuff the
Bus Challenge has become a signature initiative. This spirited effort involves local
businesses and elementary schools collecting food, toys, and monetary donations to fill a
Niagara Falls Transit bus. The challenge began on November 12th and continues through
December 12th.
Last year, the Good News Breakfast and Stuff the Bus Challenge raised over $225,000 in
food, toy, and monetary donations, and this year’s goal is to surpass $250,000. Winners of
the corporate and school Stuff the Bus challenge will be announced during the Morrison
Pharmacy Pharmasave Good News Breakfast on December 13th, from 7-10 am at the Greg
Frewin Theatre. The community is invited to join us for a free breakfast including live
entertainment with a donation to Project SHARE’s Christmas program.
Community members can get involved this holiday season by sponsoring a family, or by
donating monetary, food, or toy contributions. Donations can be made in person at Project
SHARE’s office (4129 Stanley Avenue) or online at projectshare.ca. To sponsor a family
directly, visit projectshare.ca/sponsor-a-family.
Early donations are encouraged as distribution of grocery gift cards is already underway and
gift distribution for children 17 and under will begin November 25. “A lot of people think about
giving right before the holidays or even on Christmas Eve” shared Sharp. “While we need
the support year-round, early donations to our Christmas Program are critical to helping us
support over 7,000 of our neighbours, and reduce the financial stress on parents who are
struggling to provide gifts and a holiday meal for their family.”
Due to Canada Post delays affecting mail campaigns, donors are encouraged to make
contributions in person or online to ensure timely delivery. Together, we can make the
holidays brighter for everyone in our community.