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All children deserve to experience the joy, belonging, and celebration the holiday season brings. Yet for many children, youth, and families supported through the child welfare system—and others facing instability or isolation—the holidays can be an especially challenging time. Through seasonal programs and supports, Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada helps ensure children, youth, and families feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated. The annual Holiday Season Celebration offers a safe, inclusive, and joyful experience where children can be kids and families can share meaningful moments. CAFC’s longest-standing enrichment initiative, the Holiday Season Celebration, has, for more than 40 years, brought children, youth, and families across the Greater Toronto Area together for an afternoon of connection, good food, and community—creating lasting holiday memories and a sense of belonging.
1. Holiday fun for everyone
Food and fun are central to creating meaningful holiday experiences. Guests were welcomed with a delicious buffet lunch and a thoughtfully curated range of activities, including face painting, arts and crafts, and time with the beloved Paw Patrol character, Chase. Younger children enjoyed the bouncy castle, while teens connected with peers through gaming and creative henna hand painting. Therapy dogs were also present during the event, providing moments of comfort and calm and helping create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for children, youth, and families alike.
2. Volunteers bring the celebration to life
Volunteers are at the heart of this celebration, bringing the event to life and helping ensure every child and family enjoys a meaningful holiday experience. We extend our sincere thanks to the organizing committee for their leadership and to the more than 140 volunteers, corporate employees and individuals alike, whose generosity of time and spirit made the day possible.
Rita and Cathy, two familiar faces at the Holiday Season Celebration, have been volunteering for more than 18 years. Reflecting on what brings them back year after year, they shared:
“The Holiday Season Celebration is important to me because every child deserves a joyful holiday surrounded by music, delicious food, and fun activities, hosted by a foundation that truly cares. Seeing the children’s happy faces warms my heart, and I look forward to volunteering each year. I feel privileged to be part of such a special day in our city.” – Rita
“I’ve been fortunate to volunteer in many roles at the Holiday Season Celebration over the years. It’s wonderful to see it all come together and deeply heartwarming to hear the laughter and see the smiling faces of the children, youth, and families who attend.” – Cathy
3. Our sponsors showcase their commitment
Sponsors, donors, and partners brought both holiday spirit and a shared commitment to supporting children, youth, and families. We extend our sincere thanks to the Sofina Foundation, our Presenting Sponsor, for their leadership and generosity.
We are also grateful to AMJ, Fairmont Royal York, LEGO, LiUNA Local 183, Merix, Spin Master, and Travelers whose generosity helped bring the celebration to life. Penguin Random House Canada’s support made it possible for every child to receive a book, an aspiration of CAFC’s for many years. Together, our sponsors and donors helped create a meaningful holiday experience for more than 280 children and youth involved with the child welfare system across Toronto.
4. Our community shares the joy
The Gifting Suite was once again a highlight of the celebration, featuring more than 900 toys, books, and gifts generously donated by gift-in-kind partners and community groups. Our partner, Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), also contributed gift cards for teens. A dedicated team of “elves”—current and former members of CAFC’s Young People’s Advisory Council—alongside CAFC and CAST Board members and staff, and leaders from Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) and Pape Adolescent Resource Centre (PARC), worked together to help children select their gifts, creating an experience grounded in care, dignity, and community.
5. What we heard from our guests
The impact of the Holiday Season Celebration was perhaps best reflected in the words of the families who attended. Their feedback spoke to the warmth, care, and sense of belonging felt throughout the day:
“Thank you to everyone for making our Christmas extra special! We are so grateful for the opportunity to attend.”
“Everyone was amazing, helpful and kind. Thank you for making the party an amazing experience.”
Make next year’s celebration even more magical by becoming a sponsor:
Contact Dillon Smith, Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships at 437-388-3730 to take advantage of this unique opportunity to directly support children, youth and families involved in child welfare.
