The holiday season signifies a period of warmth, joy and unity but for many families facing the risk of homelessness, it can add another challenge to negotiate. Inn from the Cold, a non-profit charity on a mission to help families experiencing the challenges of the housing crisis, has launched a holiday campaign with an ambitious goal to raise $1 million.
By making a donation, you are directly impacting lives and helping to ensure that every family in Calgary has a safe space to call home this holiday season.
“Our donors are the backbone of everything we do at Inn from the Cold. Their generosity allows us to provide essential support to families who are facing incredibly challenging times,” says Heather Morley, CEO of Inn from the Cold. “Every contribution, especially during the holiday season, brings hope, stability and a sense of belonging to families who need it most. Together, we’re not just providing shelter — we’re helping families rebuild their lives.”
December 3 is Giving Tuesday, a global movement for shared generosity. This year, be part of the movement and donate online. All donations made to the holiday campaign will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to generous donors Mattamy Homes, the Trevor & Amy Cooper Family Legacy Fund at Calgary Foundation and Tourmaline Oil Corp.
In the past, about 40 per cent of the Inn’s holiday donations have come from the mail, but the current postal strike makes things a little trickier this year. Inn from the Cold is relying on online donations. As a way to say thank you, all those who make an online or phone donation will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate to Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.
A rising need
Inn from the Cold offers programs to help with homelessness prevention and diversion, emergency family shelter and supportive housing. Since the pandemic, its services have tripled — the Inn now serves an average of 1,500 families annually. Rising inflation and a severe lack of affordable housing have made a high demand for help and additional support the new normal.
This holiday season, Inn from the Cold will support 130 families under its roof, offering them not just shelter, but a space to experience the joy and comfort of the season. One of the Inn’s clients shares this: “Last year, we didn’t know if we’d have a place to celebrate Christmas together. Finding a warm bed, gifts for my kids and the support to rebuild was more than I could have hoped for. This holiday, I’m grateful that we’re safe and together, and that’s the best gift anyone could give.”
Profound impacts
Every dollar goes a long way: a $50 donation supports a new mom with diapers and formula, $100 offers after-school snacks for kids in shelter, $250 creates a newborn care package for a new mom and baby, $500 provides a family with a move-in essentials package for their new home and $1,000 feeds families in shelter for a week. And during the holiday campaign running now until December 31, with donors generously matching, each dollar goes twice as far.
Volunteering goes a long way in making this season brighter for vulnerable families, too. Help spread holiday cheer at Santa’s Gift Shop, where children, youth and parents at the Inn receive gifts and experience the magic of the holidays.
“The holiday season brings us closer to the spirit of giving, and at Inn from the Cold, we see every donation as a gift of hope and security for families facing homelessness,” says Morley. “This time of year, a safe and warm place to stay is especially meaningful. Thanks to our generous community, we’re able to offer families not just shelter but the chance to experience the joy and comfort of the holidays. Together, we can make sure no family is left out in the cold this season.”
Make an online donation at innfromthecold.org/donate.
This content was produced for the advertiser by RedPoint Media for commercial purposes. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Avenue staff.
