When Christmas Wishes Become Reality: Port Cares Launches 2025 Holiday Programs
Port Colborne, Ont. Nov. 19 -- Last December, Sarah [name changed] sat at her kitchen table, calculator in hand, trying to figure out how to explain to her two children why Santa might not bring everything on their lists this year. A single mother working two part-time jobs, she had already made the difficult choice between paying the heating bill and buying Christmas gifts… then she heard about Port Cares.
"I'll never forget picking up those bags," Sarah recalls. "My kids' faces on Christmas morning, they had no idea how close we came to having nothing under the tree. Port Cares gave me back my dignity as a parent and gave my children the magic of Christmas."
Sarah's story is one of thousands that Port Cares helps write each year. As the 2025 holiday season approaches, the organization is once again mobilizing the community to ensure no family faces the holidays alone or empty-handed.
Make Family Wishes Come True Program Now Accepting Applications
Port Cares' flagship holiday program provides toys and gifts for children ages 0-eighteen in households throughout Port Colborne and Wainfleet. Families meeting specific financial criteria can register and complete wish lists for their children. Volunteers assemble pre-packed gift bags, ready for parents to wrap and place under the tree – preserving the joy of Christmas morning while easing the financial burden.
The program also extends support to individuals facing the holidays alone, including single seniors, parents, and young adults aged 18 and over.
Community members can become holiday heroes by adopting a family. Donors receive wish lists and are matched with local families, creating direct impact in their own community. All gifts must be new, appropriately labeled, and suitable for all ages. Gift cards are enthusiastically welcomed.
Holiday 50/50: Win Big While Supporting Your Neighbors
Running December 1, 2025, through January 2, 2026, Port Cares' December Lottery offers multiple chances to win while funding critical community programs.
Early Bird Prizes drawn at 2:00 p.m.:
- December 9, 2025 – $100
- December 16, 2025 – $200
- December 23, 2025 – $500
Ticket sales begin at 12:01a.m. on December 1st and close at 2:00p.m. on January 2nd, with the jackpot draw following immediately. There is a guaranteed minimum payout of $5000 to the winner of this year’s holiday 50/50 draw. Licence No.: RAF1500459
The Great Holiday Food Drive – December 11, 2025
Port Cares invites the community to a festive morning of giving and celebration on December 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m. The event features Reindeer Games on the outdoor lawn, the "Fill Santa's Sleigh!" food donation drive, holiday crafts, singing with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, build-a-box activities in the food pantry, and a Hot Chocolate Station & Bake Sale.
Local schools will rotate through activity stations, ensuring every child experiences the full range of festive fun while supporting families in need throughout the holiday season.
For information about registering for assistance, adopting a family, or purchasing lottery tickets, visit www.portcares.ca or contact (905) 834-3629 orportcares@portcares.ca.
