Runnymede United

Christmas Outreach

There are multiple ways you can make Christmas special for others this year.

1.     Preparing Christmas shoeboxes

2.     Donating to gift cards for struggling families

3.     Donating to gift bags for Community Meal guests

We are also providing gifts for 10 children with a parent or guardian who is currently in jail through our partner Prison Fellowship Canada. The good news is that through an abundance of generosity last Christmas, these gifts are already covered for 2025.

Here’s how you can help this Christmas:

1. Christmas Shoeboxes – final date to bring your boxes to the church is November 30.

Our goal is to prepare 125 shoeboxes to children, moms and dads this year. Our continuing partner is Unison Health and Community Services, just north of the church. They support families with many programs, including pre- and post-natal classes, employment counselling and settlement advice. Unison tells us that the shoeboxes they deliver are greatly appreciated their clients.

This document gives you all the information you need to fill, label and deliver your boxes. Do it on your own or make it a fun family or friend group project. Please bring boxes to the church by November 30th.

2.     Gift Cards – help families purchase items such as winter coats, boots, food and medicines.

The Christmas season can be hard on families that are struggling financially. Unison Heath knows a number of families who need help meeting basic needs on a daily basis. Our goal this year is to purchase 100 gift cards worth $25 each for Unison to distribute to these families.

Donate to the Christmas Outreach Fund to purchase gift cards. See below.

3.     Gift bags – to give to guests who come to the Christmas Community Meal on December 27.

For some 25 years, Runnymede has been providing a delicious four-course meal to guests on the last Saturday of the month. The Christmas meal, which falls on December 27 this year, is always a well-attended and much-appreciated event.

Our guests look forward to the small gift bags they take home after the meal. Gift bags include small items they need and small items that bring delight. The Scout group that meets in the church helps pack the bags. Help us fill 140 bags this year by donating to the Christmas Outreach Fund.

New this year. Runnymede’s Christmas Outreach Fund is the one place to make Christmas gift donations. You can specify which program you are supporting with a note, but not specifying helps us to make sure all programs are well-funded and no one gets missed.

· Make an e-transfer to treasurer@runnymedeunited.org, noting it is for the Christmas Outreach Fund.

· Use your credit card at the Runnymede Tithe.ly or CanadaHelps pages.

· By cheque or cash, clearly marked Christmas Outreach Fund.

Thank you for your generous support!