Sponsor A Family

I never thought I would be spending the holidays in a shelter with my two kids, but when I finally made the decision to leave, I knew it was the right thing. It was just before the holidays, and we had to leave everything behind—even our clothes and belongings. I had no family of my own in Canada, only my in-laws, so I couldn’t turn to anyone for support.

But as soon as we arrived at Yellow Brick House, I felt a sense of relief. My kids, who had been so anxious and quiet, started to smile again. They seemed calmer and happier. Still, I worried about how I could make this holiday special for them, especially with everything we had lost. But I didn’t have to worry for long—the staff at Yellow Brick House were incredible. They had art and cooking workshops for the kids during the holiday break, which gave them a chance to bond with the other children at the shelter and it helped them feel more at ease.

The gift cards we received made all the difference. They allowed me to buy things my children missed from home, things that brought them comfort. Being able to choose what was important for my family gave me a sense of control again. It wasn’t about material things; it was about being able to provide for my kids, even in the smallest ways, and that meant the world to me.

The holidays were different that year, but somehow, they became one of the most memorable we’ve ever had. We felt safe, and that’s the greatest gift we could have received.