If you’re struggling financially and worried your Christmas celebrations will suffer as a result, there’s a dedicated group of people eager to help.
Burnaby Community Service’s annual Christmas Bureau is opening registration Thursday, Nov. 1, for low-income families and seniors, as well as for “unique individuals” (people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness).
“This is just an opportunity for the community to come together and make sure that every family is able to celebrate the holidays,” said Stephen D’Souza, executive director of Burnaby Community Services.
Low-income Burnaby families with children 16-years-old and younger are eligible to receive one gift for each child, low-income seniors are eligible to receive basic goods, including medical devices such as canes and unique individuals are given tote boxes full of basic necessities.
To register, visit the Toy Room in unit 0019 at Brentwood Town Centre (4567 Lougheed Highway) between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Nov.1 to Dec. 7. If working, you will need a proof of income C-Print for each adult (to get one, call 1-800-959-8281) or, if you’re on income assistance, a release of information from your ministry office will do.
Individuals making $23,861 or less and families of four making $44,320 or less are considered low-income, D’Souza said.
After registration, qualified individuals and families will be given a date and time to come pick up their toys from the Toy Room.
In addition to the Toy Room presents for kids, the Christmas Bureau will match sponsor families with other families or seniors in need of help. The sponsors then provide both material support and a community connection to their sponsorees, D’Souza said.
“That creates a great community-building opportunity for someone in the community to feel like someone in the community cares about them,” he said.
Businesses or other organizations hoping to host a toy drive in support of the bureau can contact Burnaby Community Services at (604) 299-5778 or email [email protected].
Toy and cash donations are also welcome at the Toy Room in Brentwood Mall.
