As the holiday season draws near, we’re inviting our community to help us bring warmth, joy, and a little holiday magic to the residents, youth, and families we support. Through Hope for the Holidays, we can remind everyone that they are seen, valued, and never alone during a season when the need for connection and belonging can mean so much.
Your generosity is about so much more than a monetary donation. It’s the excitement in a child’s eyes on Christmas morning, the comfort of a holiday meal shared around the table, and the reassurance that even during life’s most challenging moments, someone cares. Together, we can create meaningful moments, lasting memories, and a little more hope for those who need it most this holiday season.
A Holiday Recipe for Giving
Ingredients:
- 1 generous community
- A heaping cup of compassion
- A hearty helping of joy
- Plenty of empathy
- A whole lot of love
- A sprinkle of hope
- Dignity for everyone
- A dash of belonging
- And, of course, a little holiday magic!
Directions:
Mix compassion with empathy. Fold in love and hope. Add joy generously, and stir in dignity and belonging until everyone has a place at the table.
Bring together neighbours, friends, families, volunteers and community champions. Share freely. Give generously. Make room for one another.
The secret ingredient? Togetherness.
And while you’re spreading holiday cheer, remember the YWCA — where every day, we work to create a community where everyone can experience equity, opportunity and self-determination.
Because the greatest holiday magic happens when we make sure no one is left out.
This holiday season, let’s cook up more connection, belonging and a whole lot of community spirit.
Ways you can get involved
Make a Donation
Financial contributions are greatly appreciated and will be used to purchase items needed to support women and families throughout the season. You will receive a charitable tax receipt via email following your donation.
Holiday Hours & Year-End Donations
Please ensure your donations are received by Dec 24 at noon to be counted towards our 2026 charitable tax donations.
Your Impact This Holiday Season
$25 donation = A Little Extra Joy
Your gift will help provide a holiday gift card for someone who is experiencing financial hardship.
$50 donation = A Fuller Table
Your gift will help provide groceries and holiday food for someone facing a difficult month.
$100 donation = A Holiday Meal
Your gift will help a family put a special meal on the table and experience some of the comfort and joy of the holiday season.
$250 donation = Holiday Hope
Your gift will help provide gift cards, groceries, and essential items to someone living in YWCA housing.
$500 donation = A Family’s Christmas
Your generosity will help provide meaningful holiday support to a family who is working hard to make ends meet.
$1,000 donation = A Season of Support
Your gift will help support several individuals and families with practical needs during the holiday season.
How to Donate
In-person (credit, debit, cash) at our main office
Donate online using the button below
E-transfer to finance@ywcaste.ca (please indicate in notes YOUR NAME_HopeForTheHolidays)
Shop Yourself
If you would like to personally shop for gifts, view our Holiday Wish List for options. This is a great way to feel personally connected to your gifts and the participants that will be receiving them.
Corporate Support or Third-Party Fundraiser
If your organization, group of friends or family is looking for a rewarding way to come together and help people in our community at the holidays, please consider a group sponsorship. Your team can gather items from our wish list or fundraise through holiday bake sales, bottle drives or any other way you find to come together to help our community over the holidays.
Where to donate
Donations will be accepted until December 15 to ensure our team have time to deliver before we are closed for the holidays.
YWCA main office
16 Mary Street West,
St.Thomas, ON, N5P 2S3
Monday – Friday
9 am – 12 pm / 1- 4:30 pm (closed 12-1pm)