It’s not too early to think about helping those in need in our community during the holiday season.
In fact, it’s the perfect time to support CAYR Community Connections Holiday Care Program.
“CAYR offers free programs and supports to York region’s most vulnerable,” explained CAYR Manager of Communications & Operations, Mark Koning. “We offer HIV services, Harm Reduction services, 2SLGBTQ+ support, help and support to all those in need, for various reasons, in York region.”
CAYR’s Holiday Care Program runs all through November, until December 5. “It’s an annual program that works within the community to support individuals or local families that may need help or support during the holiday season,” explained Koning.
CAYR asks for donations of gift cards, cash, or in-kind to purchase holiday and winter necessities for those in need in the area. “We put together holiday hampers which include hats, scarves, toques, mittens, canned or dry food items, grocery cards, and gift cards to purchase other items for holiday shopping,” said Koning.
CAYR also tries to gather donations of turkeys or hams and then puts everything together for distribution to those in need in York region. “We get it all together and then deliver it, like little elves, throughout our area,” smiled Koning. “That is a really busy but feel-good time!”
According to Koning, there are a lot of families and individuals in need in York region, and the demand for supports is only increasing, especially at holiday time. “With the cost of groceries and really everything increasing so much, many people don’t have enough to do anything extra during the holidays. This is a very stressful time for people.”
Koning paused, then added, “We just try and meet people where they are at. Every year, needs are just escalating. There are more service users, more folks on our list, more program users. We just try to provide as much as we possibly can.”
If you can help CAYR help those in need this holiday season, please donate. You can do so here.
‘We are so thankful to those who donate,” said Koning. “Let’s work together to help everyone who needs help, this holiday season.”
