The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and giving.
For many, it’s about spending time with loved ones, indulging in festive meals, and sharing in the magic of the season. But for some families, the holidays can be a reminder of financial stress, difficult circumstances, or simply not having the means to give their children the Christmas they wish they could.
One beautiful way Oaktree likes to spread holiday cheer is by sponsoring local families during Christmas! This is something we do annually as a team, and love when our wonderful patients join in the gift of giving as well.
This year Oaktree downtown and Orleans are sponsoring 7 families for the holiday season! We are provided with a list of the family members, their ages, sizes, and wishes for the holidays. We then put each item on Angels – which we place on our trees that you will find at reception. You pick an angel, and then shop for the gifts - things that the family might not be able to afford on their own.
Once you've bought the gifts, the final, thoughtful touch is to wrap them up, put the angel on the gift too (so we know who it goes to), so that it’s ready for the family to open on Christmas morning. The act of wrapping is more than just a festive gesture; it symbolizes care, effort, and the warmth of the season. Please note we need the majority of the gifts back by Dec 16th in Orleans, 20th downtown.
The Stittsville clinic is collecting donations for the local food bank again this year! Last year, we were able to provide a full Christmas dinner to not one, but two families in need thanks to your generosity! If you’d like to donate anything, there’s a list of needed items by the Christmas Tree - deadline to donate is December 18th.
Why It Matters: The Impact of Sponsoring Families
Bringing Joy to Families in Need
For many families, the financial strain of the holidays means they have to choose between gifts and essentials like food, clothing, or heating. By sponsoring them, you give them the opportunity to enjoy a holiday experience that might have been out of reach.
Strengthening Communities
Your generosity inspires others to take part and can create a ripple effect of kindness. It fosters a spirit of togetherness, where people look out for one another, especially during tough times.
Creating Meaningful Traditions
Sponsoring a family can become a meaningful holiday tradition for you and your loved ones- it has definitely become one here at Oaktree. It’s a way to shift the focus away from materialism and towards the deeper, more fulfilling aspects of the holiday season: love, generosity, and compassion.
Making a Difference in Ways You Can’t Always See
The gifts you provide might not only bring joy for the moment, but they could also offer a sense of hope and encouragement for the future. It reminds the recipients that, even in difficult times, they are cared for, and that someone sees them.
The True Spirit of Christmas
By giving to others, you may just find that you receive the greatest gift of all: the deep, lasting satisfaction of knowing you've helped make someone’s Christmas a little brighter.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
