As festive decorations appear, calendars fill with winter fun and the holidays approach, gifts are often top of mind. But this is also the time of year to give back. One way to do this is to support charities like Inn from the Cold and the important work it does.
For over 25 years, Inn from the Cold has supported local families and worked to create a stronger Calgary along the way, and this holiday season, it’s inviting the community to be part of the change.
Family-focused housing support
Inn from the Cold has been part of the Calgary community since 1997. At the heart of its work is providing immediate and long-term support to ensure every family and child has a safe and stable place to call home. This support includes prevention and diversion, which helps at-risk families avoid the trauma of being homeless with a personalized plan to keep them in their existing home or find a new, permanent one as soon as possible; emergency family shelters for Calgarians who are actively experiencing homelessness; and supportive housing, which helps families build housing stability and address any challenges holding them back.
“Families are the fastest-growing population experiencing homelessness in Canada. That means families are facing hardships some of us may never experience,” says Heather Morley, CEO of Inn from the Cold. Together as a community, she adds, we can support them through these hardships.
Holidays at the Inn
Year-round financial support and volunteerism is vital to helping families thrive, but the Inn recognizes that the holidays, especially, are an important season to come together as a community. That’s why it hosts a special holiday event for families to celebrate the joy of the season together.
Every year, Inn from the Cold hosts Santa’s Gift Shop, a special event in December where families enjoy holiday crafts and activities, and they can pick gifts for their loved ones. Then, later in the holiday season, Santa himself delivers the gifts at the family’s door. The event at the Inn offers an opportunity for families to spend the day together among the community and enjoy holiday cheer.
Giving Tuesday
Behind Inn from the Cold’s impactful work is the community’s steadfast support. “What sits at the heart of Inn from the Cold are the people who have supported us along the way,” says Morley.
It’s thanks to generous donors, volunteers and a committed staff that families have new avenues towards stability. This holiday season, you can be part of the change. On December 2, which is Giving Tuesday, your donation will be matched, doubling your impact. Every dollar goes a long way — no amount is too small.
“Giving back is woven into our identity as Canadians; we are always willing to lift one another up and play an active role in our communities. From bottle drives to volunteering, we all do what we can to make our communities a better place for everyone,” says Morley.
With Calgarians’ help, Inn from the Cold can provide more stability, warmth and hope for families in crisis.
Every dollar you give will be matched this holiday season. Donate today 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.