"About two years ago we started coming to the Centre Wellington Food Bank for a little help. It's a hard step to ask for help and even harder to take help from others. The food bank is different here, I've lived in a lot of places and have never seen the kindness, compassion and forward thinking that I do at our food bank. Their holiday programs are so amazing! When we were asked where we wanted gift cards for it was a huge difference in our Christmas. It meant the autonomy to choose our own gifts. We also asked for passes to swim as a family. With these passes and our amazing gift cards our Christmas was exactly what we wanted it to be. Gift cards are so helpful to create a distance between the stigma of needing help, and the benefits of having a choice. To the wonderful family who chose us, your gifts created happiness and gratitude for us and our children, isn't that what Christmastime is really about?! Thank you, to the food bank and to the families who can help and do!"

" My wife and I have two wonderful children, one with special needs. We would love to express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the Share the Care Programs, and all of the donors who take part in helping our little family, and others this special time of year. Because of you, we were able to give our amazing little kids a magical and wonderful Christmas. Their mother and I were blown away by the love, support, and generosity from the donors of the Angel program. We didn't have to worry about sacrificing our bills for presents, or putting good healthy food on the table for our kids. We could not have done it without you!"

“Our family was so blessed by the Angel Program.

Without this program, our family would not have been so lucky to have such a beautiful Christmas morning. It was the first real Christmas we’ve had in many years.

This is an incredible program for families going through a tough time, and one that my family is so incredibly grateful for.

Thank you to Curt, the Centre Wellington Food Bank and everyone who supports this program!”

“This Christmas was so different from all our past Christmases.

For the first time, we experienced a financially stress-free Christmas. Our boys received more than one gift each, and we were able to have our very own Christmas dinner as a small family.

In years past, we always celebrated Christmas with extended family, and most years we were only able to give one gift per child. This year was different, and our boys noticed. They were so grateful and are still talking about it. One of my sons keeps asking when the ‘magic’ will happen again, and we have to remind him that Christmas only comes once a year.

The Angel Program blessed our family in a way we will never forget. We were truly blown away by the generosity shown to us. Our children experienced joy, peace and a Christmas filled with warmth instead of worry.

I hope that one day soon, we are able to be on the giving end and pay forward what was so lovingly given to us.

To the person who chose to bless our family: thank you! You created Christmas memories our children will carry forever.”

“The Angel Program has been just that: heaven sent. I’m a mom of two kids, ages 5 and 14, and the gifts honestly made their whole Christmas.

I lost my job at the end of November and tried to find something else before Christmas, but with bills already behind, I was worried about how I would manage gifts. What was provided brought so many smiles to my kids’ faces. Honestly, Christmas wouldn’t have been the same without this program.

The gift cards also meant I could get what I needed to make a nice Christmas dinner. I was even able to share some of our food with my elderly neighbour who lives alone, so she could enjoy a Christmas dinner too.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. You truly do change people’s lives.

Thanks again from our whole family.”

“My family and I have been fortunate enough to receive support through the Angel Program a few times, and we cannot thank you enough for making our Christmas so special. Actually, the word I should use is magical.

My three kids were beyond happy to see the Christmas tree surrounded by gifts, and even happier when they opened them to find books, toys, clothes and special surprises. I have pictures of all three with smiles a mile wide!

We can’t help but think how lucky we are that there are people with the heart to give. I’ve explained to each of my kids that truly special people do exist, and programs like the Angel Program are only possible because of the generosity of so many.

To everyone at the Food Bank and all those who donate, you are truly heroes to our family.

Thank you so very much for all you have done and continue to do.”