The Christmas Bureau
Overview
Since 1956, the Christmas Bureau has coordinated the distribution of gifts and donations to thousands of children and their families in Toronto annually. Employment and Social Services is proud to partner with Toronto Fire Services, CHUM Christmas Wish and the Toronto Star to make this possible.
The Christmas Bureau:
- Co-ordinates the distribution of Toronto Star Gift Boxes to children 12 years of age or younger whose families are receiving social assistance.
- Provides a referral and information service to people receiving social assistance and low income families living in Toronto.
- Connects individual and corporate donors to appropriate agencies.
- Co-ordinates the distribution of gifts to community agencies to give out to low income families. To do this, the Christmas Bureau works closely with CHUM Christmas Wish and the Toronto Fire Services.
These services connect Torontonians to community agencies in an effort to make the holiday season special for children and families.
The Christmas Bureau is open Monday to Friday from 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. during the months of November and December only.
You can contact the Christmas Bureau at 416-392-3601. |
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Making a difference at Christmas
In 2007, the Christmas Bureau helped over 112,000 children under the age of 13. This included:
- children who received over 122,000 toys and stocking stuffers from CHUM Christmas Wish
- over 22,000 children who received Toronto Star Gift Boxes, and
- over 9,600 children who received toys from the Toronto Fire Services.
The Christmas Bureau also co-ordinates the distribution of gift certificates to families. In 2007 CHUM Christmas Wish donated $229,450 worth of grocery store and HBC gift certificates. The Toronto Star also donated movie passes. The Christmas Bureau ensured that:
- over 1,300 children (13 and 14 years of age) received HBC gift certificates
- over 1,000 children (15 and 16 years of age) received Cineplex Odeon movie passes
- over 5,300 families (of four or more) receiving Ontario Works were provided with grocery store gift certificates, and
- 5,600 families who did not already receive gift certificates were mailed an HBC gift certificate, movie passes, or a grocery store gift certificate.
In addition, the Christmas Bureau collaborated with three community agencies to run the Last Minute Emergency Referral Program. Through this program, with the help of Community Centre 55, Dixon Hall and Toronto Council Fire, an additional 6,580 children and families received toys.
Ongoing cooperation between Employment and Social Services, CHUM Christmas Wish, Toronto Fire Services and the Toronto Star makes the Christmas Bureau a success.
Watch the Christmas Bureau video clip.
