How it works
Each year our Emergency Shelter and Outreach Programs have several 
families in need of extra support over the holiday season. If you would like to make the holiday season bright for some of our families experiencing family abuse or crisis, you may be interested in adopting a family this holiday season.
Individuals, families, teams, organizations, faith communities and businesses are all welcome to get involved.
FAQ
How much does it cost to adopt a family?
All donors are suitably matched with a family of their choosing. Our families range in size from 1 adult and 1 child to 1 adult and 6+ children. There is no set amount that donors are obligated to spend. Donors will be provided with the family’s wish list and they can choose which items they have the capacity to purchase.
Am I able to deliver the wish list items to the family that I have adopted?
The confidentiality of our families is of the utmost importance. Our families are always extremely grateful for the donations they receive, however due to confidentiality laws donors and adopted families are unable to meet.
Therefore, arrangements can be made for staff to either pick up gifts or for gifts to be dropped off at the shelter.
When am I able to adopt a family?
Each year this program receives wish lists from our families at the end of November. We encourage donors to reach out as early as the first week of November to let us know of their interest in the program. Once we have the wish lists we will forward that information to our donors. We request that all gifts remain unwrapped. December 10th is the deadline for drop off or pick up of gifts.
Am I required to purchase the gifts myself?
Many of our donors find the experience of shopping for a family in need to be very rewarding and we encourage donors to purchase the items themselves. Financial donations to the adopt a family program are also welcomed and enable us to acquire individual wish list items that were not purchased.
Who are our adopted families?
Families who are currently in shelter or who are receiving outreach services and have recently transitioned into the community may participate in the program. Many of our families can benefit from, and appreciate extra support during the holiday season.
Can I be provided with a tax receipt for my donations?
Yes, we are happy to provide tax receipts. Please submit your purchase receipts with your donation and our accounting department will provide you with a tax receipt early in the new year.
How do I adopt a family or find out more?
Please contact the shelter at 403-934-6634 ex. 0 for adopt a family inquires. Our staff will take your name and number and your call will be returned as soon as possible (often within 48 hours). If you prefer to connect through email please send a message to Cheryl at wcs.cc1@wcsab.ca.
All support big or small is welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for your generosity!