The Archway Food Bank & Christmas Bureau invites individuals and organizations to make a meaningful impact this holiday season through their Christmas Neighbour program.
This cherished tradition connects donors with families and seniors to bring warmth, hope, and festive cheer.
“Becoming a Christmas Neighbour is a simple yet powerful way to make the holidays brighter for a neighbour who is struggling this year,” said Rebecca Thuro, Archway manager of food security. “It’s more than giving, it’s about sharing a personal connection, building hope, and reminding someone that they are not alone.”
As of November 18th, more than 1,121 families and seniors have applied for support. The Christmas Bureau is grateful for the 94 individuals and groups that have become Christmas Neighbours and are nervously looking to the last day for Christmas Neighbours to sign up for this unique opportunity – December 9th. Families who aren’t matched through the program will receive a holiday hamper and be able to pick out a toy for their children in the Archway Toy room.
Once matched, Christmas Neighbours connect with their family or senior by phone, learn about their needs, favorite foods, and gift preferences. Just before Christmas, they deliver all the essentials for a traditional Christmas meal along with thoughtful gifts for their matched family or senior.
“I’m so grateful for the program. I’m always living month to month on a small pension. Without the Christmas Neighbour program, Christmas would be just another day near the end of the month when I’m almost always running out of money. Thanks to my generous Christmas neighbour I’m enjoying wonderful, healthy meals,” said a former Christmas Bureau participant.
Becoming a Christmas Neighbour is simple. Sign-up online at the Archway Food Bank website or call 604-859-5749 ext. 40 by December 9th. To apply in person, visit the Archway Christmas Bureau office at 2575 Gladwin Rd (Hillcrest Entrance), Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Interested in Becoming a Christmas Neighbour?
“Becoming a Christmas Neighbour is a simple yet powerful way to make the holidays brighter for a neighbour who is struggling this year. It’s more than giving, it’s about sharing a personal connection, building hope, and reminding someone that they are not alone.