Will Santa know where we are?

There is no time of year when it is “easy” to leave an abusive relationship, however perhaps the most difficult time to leave the comforts of home and all your possessions is during the Christmas season – a time when images of good will and family togetherness are everywhere and expectations for a lovely and loving holiday season are high.  Regardless of socio-economic status, women accessing Shelter services generally do not have access to financial resources and, because of safety concerns, do not have the option of spending time with family. 

It isn’t hard to imagine how this time of year would immeasurably increase stress for mom’s who have left an abusive relationship and are accessing Shelter services.  They arrive frightened, heartbroken, and facing an uncertain future – and Christmas is right around the corner.  As moms struggle to deal with the emotional aftermath of the violence and abuse and make decisions and plans for a better future, a child’s biggest concern is often “Will Santa know where we are so he can bring our presents?”

Thankfully, there is a strong commitment within the Shelter and within our community to making Christmas the best it can be for women and children accessing Shelter services.  There are decorations, music, photographers offering free Christmas portraits, a steady stream of food and gifts arriving at the door, generous hampers for those establishing new households, and Christmas party fun for all!  Thanks to the generosity of First Baptist Church, who regularly provide space for a variety of Shelter client and volunteer events throughout the year, a venue is available for both a women’s Christmas party and a mom’s and children’s Christmas party.

The annual Children’s Christmas Party in mid –December is a highlight of the year for many.  All of the mothers and children who have accessed Shelter services in the past year are invited to enjoy games, face painting, cookie decorating, snacks, gifts, a magic show and a very special visit from Santa Claus. The children are also given an opportunity to choose and wrap a gift for their mothers. They take such great care picking out something special .We  are expecting over 120 children and 90 mothers/care providers to attend the party.  Our team of hard working "elves" do their very best to make each and every one of our guests feel valued and special. We are very grateful to our main sponsor, Royal LePage, whose generosity makes this wonderful event possible. The Realtors from RLP purchase the majority of gifts for the party and about 50 volunteers make sure the gifts are all wrapped beautifully for the big day.

The second Christmas party is the Women’s party, once again, thanks to generous community support.  Sunrise Rotary club prepares and serves a wonderful holiday meal with all the fixings.  There are games and music and entertainment and gifts – for some women the only gift they will receive.

The desire to help others and a giving spirit shows that the holidays really do bring out the best in people – staff, volunteers, community groups and individuals – all working together to help to create a new Christmas ‘normal’ for both women and children.. The shelter’s holiday events help our clients through a very difficult time of transition and we are grateful to all those who play a part in making this all happen.