The Christmas Bureau of Edmonton is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2020. Over this time, we could not have been able to serve Edmontonians in need without the generous support of our donors, sponsors and volunteers.
Through community support and dedication, the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton started during the winter of 1940. Many of the men were off to war, and money was tight for their families. The community came together to provide warm meals for these families at Christmastime. Since then, the Christmas Bureau has maintained one tradition – providing a festive meal and coordination of Christmas giving to Edmontonians in need at Christmastime. In 1955, we partnered with our sister charity, 630 CHED Santas Anonymous, to ensure children from 0-12 years received toys. Then with the formation of our Adopt- A- Teen program, gift cards for teen 13-17 years was added ensuring that everyone in the family was taken care off. One phone call to the Christmas Bureau means access to all of these services.
“I attended the walk in today, sad that I couldn’t do Christmas on my own, as this year I’m on income support to be able to stay at home with my 5 month old. It’s been a rough year, we’ve moved across the country and had just started over. I didn’t know if I’d be able to make my sons first Christmas happen. I came in and I left in tears, not because I was sad but because I was treated with love dignity and respect in coming to the Christmas Bureau for help.
I’m so beyond thankful for what they’ve done, as a young mother this was so important to me, they’ve made it so I have a Christmas dinner some treats for my son 3 good gifts and were a listening ear. The volunteers were kind and they worked so quickly, but even if you did have to wait they had coffee juice water granola bars and were to serve hot dogs for lunch! Thank you all so much you truly changed my little families Christmas and I can’t wait to give back” ~ 2019 Client
“My name is Carla. I want to thank the Christmas Bureau for all the help they do in the community. I was a past participant that has used the Christmas Bureau a few years back. I wasn’t sure if I could have a traditional Christmas for my children. I just became a single parent in a city that is now my home but was not where my family was from. Having no one to turn to and with limited resources, a friend suggested that I apply to the Christmas Bureau for assistance. No one ever expects to fall on hard times, but it’s nice to know if it ever happens, Edmonton has organizations like the Christmas Bureau to help you out.
My family tradition is to watch White Christmas, bake cookies and decorate our tree. Family is very important to me and I want to thank the Christmas Bureau, their donors and volunteers, and Christmas partner, Santas Anonymous, for making that one Christmas where I needed help a truly special one.” ~ Carla
*to see a video of Carla’s story, please go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYxNScGIiQs
Donate to this Fund
Fill out the form below to contribute a one-time donation, or set up a recurring monthly donation. We will notify the founder/family of your thoughtful gift unless you request anonymity.
Please note: Donations made to any fund listed on our online directory will be processed by www.canadahelps.org. You will receive an electronic tax receipt directly from CanadaHelps for the full amount of your donation. The fund you are supporting will receive the net amount of your donation less the CanadaHelps processing fee.