Supporting Families at Christmas: HCCF Launches New Hamper Program
Through collaboration with schools and community partners, 98 HCDSB families across Halton received food hampers and grocery support during the Christmas holiday.
This past December, the Halton Catholic Children’s Foundation (HCCF) was proud to launch a new initiative rooted in care, dignity, and community – our very first Christmas Hamper Program.
Created to support families within the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) who are experiencing food insecurity, the Christmas Hamper Program was designed to provide practical assistance during a season that can bring added financial pressure. Working closely with schools, our goal was to help ease that burden for families across the region.
Through this inaugural program, 98 HCDSB families across 19 schools in Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville received Christmas hampers filled with non-perishable food items, along with a $150 grocery gift card. Hampers were delivered directly to HCDSB schools, where families were able to pick them up with care and discretion.
The success of this program was made possible through meaningful community partnerships. We are grateful to Feed Halton and Gift Of Giving Back for their generous donations of non-perishable food items, which formed the core of each hamper. Their ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity in our communities made a lasting impact for participating families.
Funding for the grocery gift cards was raised through a collaborative effort with the HCDSB Christmas Card fundraiser. Featuring student artwork from the Keeping Christ in Christmas student contest, the fundraiser raised more than $7,500, which was matched by the Foundation. This partnership between students, schools, and the broader community helped maximize the reach of the program.
What made the Christmas Hamper Program especially meaningful was the way it brought together students, families, schools, donors, and community partners with a shared purpose – to offer support and care to families during the Christmas season. Each hamper represented more than food or financial assistance; it was a tangible expression of compassion and community.
As we reflect on the launch of this new program, we are grateful for the collaboration and generosity that made it possible. The Christmas Hamper Program stands as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that can be achieved when our community works together to support families when they need it most.
Who We Are
The Halton Catholic Children’s Foundation (HCCF) is an independent charity. We have partnered with the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) to support their students and families in need throughout Halton (Acton, Burlington, Georgetown, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville). We raise funds to help HCDSB students overcome financial barriers to learning, which helps our students succeed in school.
What We Do
“….whatever you do for the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you do for me…” Matthew 25:40
As a Catholic Community, we are called by Jesus to care for others. We meet this calling by providing Hope, Dignity, and Equity to students and families in need.
We raise funds to help cover costs for:
- Basic necessities, such as food and clothing, school supplies, shoes, eyeglasses, personal hygiene items, and learning technology
- School activities with a fee, such as school trips, team fees, and other learning materials
- HCCF Graduate Award – a bursary for graduating HCDSB students entering post-secondary education (i.e. trades, certificate programs, college, university)
How We Impact Students in Need
Your gift upheld the dignity of every family at a time when poverty’s bite is most keenly felt in our school community.
I am very grateful for the gift card, it has helped me a lot. I have been using food banks which have been amazing but they don’t supply meats or freezer food which I was going without. Thanks to everyone who helped I appreciate it very much.
Students We Have Helped to Date
Money Allocated to Help Students, to Date
Where Do the Students We Have Helped Live?
