The spirit of the season shone through in Richmond, B.C., just days before Christmas, when a mother and her two young children living in a transition home for families fleeing domestic violence received a holiday miracle.
A Child's Question Sparks Community Action
Angela Toussaint, program manager at the Cadence Second Stage Housing facility operated by Atira Women’s Resource Society, shared the poignant moment that set the effort in motion. The mother had been unwell for weeks and missed the deadline to register for gift support from the Richmond Christmas Fund. Her young son captured the family's predicament with a simple, heartbreaking question: "Are we not having Christmas, because we don't have a tree?"
"We were able to get a tree for the family, and then reached out to see if the Christmas fund would take a late application," Toussaint explained. The deadline for applications had passed on December 17, 2025. While families at the 15-unit facility often rely on the fund, demand is consistently high, and gifts are typically allocated by the cutoff date.
Community Rallies for a Last-Minute Delivery
Despite the fund being officially closed for the season, coordinator Jennifer DeWolff and Ryan Luetzen, director of operations for Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, made an exception. On Monday, December 22, 2025, Toussaint visited their warehouse on Minoru Boulevard, where a collection of gifts was ready.
The family received an array of presents, including Barbies, Lego sets, stuffed animals, board games, and books. They also were given a Save-On-Foods gift card and a hamper of self-care items for the mother. The transition home provided wrapping paper so she could personally wrap the gifts and place them under the newly acquired tree for her children.
"This really speaks to the way the community is ready to rally together to support the most vulnerable families," Toussaint said, emphasizing the collaborative effort.
The Lifeline of the Richmond Christmas Fund
Ryan Luetzen detailed the fund's significant reach and history. Operated by Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives since 2001, the fund itself has roots stretching back to the 1930s. It maintains a long-standing partnership with The Province's Empty Stocking Fund, which provides crucial financial support for grocery vouchers and gifts.
"We are here to help people who cannot afford a holiday celebration," Luetzen stated. In 2025, the fund assisted 1,360 people, including adults, children, and teens across Richmond. Support includes grocery vouchers, age-appropriate toys, book bags, and gift cards for teenagers.
This year, the registration process shifted to phone and online systems to eliminate physical line-ups. All 1,360 available slots were filled by the deadline, a number Luetzen acknowledges likely doesn't capture the full need in the community. Eligibility is based on receiving income or disability assistance or meeting Statistics Canada low-income guidelines.
For over a century, The Province's Empty Stocking Fund has helped brighten the holidays for less fortunate families across British Columbia. It sponsors 25 community organizations that distribute food and gifts. Donations can be made online at theprovince.com/esf or by phone at 604-253-6911.
