Closer to Home Kids Christmas Party

Closer to Home hosts Christmas party for foster kids

By Jason Ronald

For her it’s about giving, not getting.

She sees Christmas as a time to remember the birth of Jesus, and to spend time with family. She is 16-year-old Emma*, and this year, like the previous two, she will be spending time with approximately 60 other children and youth in group care and foster care at a Christmas party hosted by Closer to Home.

Emma is looking forward to this year’s Christmas party on December 8.

“I kind of go bonkers when I hear about things like that, because I’m excited to see new people, meet new people, see people who I know and hang out with them.” Emma has a lot of energy and likes playing with the young children at the parties. “They’re a lot more energetic and do a lot more fun stuff than the older kids,” she says.

The 60 youth and their caregivers who attend will each enjoy a nice lunch and a Christmas present from Santa.

Michael* is a talkative yet shy16-year-old who will also be attending the Christmas party and is looking forward to it.

“You’re feeling kind of sad, but then you go to the party and it’s fun,” he says.

Michael has attended several of Closer to Home’s Christmas parties and says Christmas is about giving, but he also really enjoys the presents he has received from this donation funded event. His favourite is a Tetris game he received last year.

Emma and Michael live in a group home together.  They are both extremely thankful for the opportunity to attend the annual Christmas party and appreciate the donors who make the event possible.

“I really appreciate the people who are donating money because it means a lot to everyone in this house. We get a lot of stuff, but it’s not like living at home. They’re trying to make it like we’re living at home, and it is helping,” says Emma. “I just want to say thank you.”

If Michael could, he says he would give all the donors hugs and “wish they have a very merry Christmas themselves.”

Closer to Home is seeking donations to help purchase gifts and food for the Christmas party. If you would like to make a contribution, you can choose an option from the list below:

• Contact our Fund Development Department at 403.543.0550 ext 226 or email to funddevelopment@closertohome.com
• Print and fill out a Donation Slip (65 KB) and mail to Closer to Home, Attn: Fund Development Department, 3507A – 17 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 0B6
• Make a credit card or interac donation through CanadaHelps.org by clicking the button below

*names have been changed