Be a part of the compassion and joy that defines Christmas in Regina with The Salvation Army. Together, we can create a Christmas that warms hearts and changes lives. Join us in spreading love, hope, and happiness to all this Christmas Season.
Christmas in Regina!
Christmas Assistance Program
For many families, Christmas is a time of togetherness and joy. However, it can also be a challenging season for those facing financial hardships. The Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance program aims to ensure that every child wakes up to the magic of Christmas morning. Through your support, we provide gifts, food (in the form of a grocery gift card), and essential resources to families in need, making their holiday season brighter and more hopeful. Join us in making dreams come true and putting smiles on the faces of children and parents alike.
Gifts: Through our partnership with Rawlco Radio and the Santa’s Anonymous program, toy bins are placed around Regina from mid-November to mid-December. The community is encouraged to place new unwrapped toys in these bins. Every toy collected is used in our Toy Shop where parents and guardians are invited in to come pick a gift for their children.
Food: In the past, we used to hand out Food Hampers to families who registered. What we noticed is that the food provided didn’t align with dietary restrictions and cultural preferences. We want to ensure that families are being provided with the essentials then need to provide a wonderful Christmas meal for their family. We now provide those who register with grocery gift cards so they can get exactly what their family needs. Of course, this come with an added cost as we purchase these gift cards directly from grocery stores. We rely on the communities support to help fund these gift cards.
Our Impact in 2024: Last year, thanks to your support, we supported 1,545 families, providing a brighter Christmas for 3,600 children aged 12 and under.
Christmas Assistance
How can I help?
There are several ways that you and your family, group or organization can contribute to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Assistance program.
Go Toy Shopping: Visit your favourite store and purchase a new unwrapped toy for a child between the ages of 0 and 12 years. Then drop it in one of the Santa’s Anonymous barrels found at shopping malls and businesses around Regina during November and December.
(HINT: Toys for children aged 9-12 are often where donations fall short.)
Donate a gift card:
Purchase a Toy gift card for any store that sells toys and we’ll do the shopping for you.
Purchase a Grocery gift card at any local Grocery Store (preference given to Freshco and Superstore).
Gift cards can be dropped off at The Salvation Army Haven of Hope
Give a financial gift
Your monetary donation will help us provide families with grocery gift cards allowing them the freedom to choose food items that align with their dietary needs and cultural preferences for Christmas Dinner. Tax deductible receipts are available for monetary donations of $20 or more.
Make it a Team Effort
Gather your family, some friends, or the office team and pool your funds to help an entire family. Invite group participants to purchase new unwrapped toys and/or make financial contributions.
If you host a gathering to collect your contributions, snap a pic and send it to us at ReginaHoH.Christmas@salvationarmy.ca
Note: Due to the the complexities of CRA regulations for Gift in Kind (GIK) receipts we will no longer be issuing GIK receipts for toys and gift cards as we have done with the Adopt a Family program in the past. However, tax deductible receipts are still available for monetary donations of $20 or more.
Suggested amounts by family size (including Christmas Dinner and Children’s Gifts)
NOTE: These are ONLY suggestions. We accept and appreciate contributions of any amount.
Family of 2: $200.00
Family of 3: $250.00
Family of 4: $300.00
Family of 5: $350.00
Family of 6: $400.00
Family of 7: $450.00
Family of 8: $500.00
Thank-you for your interest in helping others at Christmas
Christmas Kettles
Christmas Kettles
Step into the world of giving and make a difference in your community. Our iconic red kettles, stand as beacons of hope during the Christmas season. As you hear the cheerful chimes of bells, you can contribute to change lives. Every donation, no matter the size, fuels our mission to assist those in need right here in Regina year round. Whether it’s a warm meal for a hungry family, or vital support for those facing hardship, your contribution brings warmth and comfort to those who need it most.
Join us during the holiday season and make a difference standing on the Christmas kettles! There is a special kind of joy that comes from giving back to those in need, and volunteering with Haven of Hope Ministries is a wonderful opportunity to do just that. By standing on the red Christmas kettles, you become a beacon of hope, raising awareness and funds that directly impact the lives of individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Step up, lend a helping hand, and experience the joy that comes from selflessly serving others.
You will see our Christmas Kettles out around Regina from mid-November to Christmas Eve.
ALL MONEY DONATED IN REGINA, STAYS IN REGINA
AND DIRECTLY SUPPORTS OUR COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
THROUGH HAVEN OF HOPE MINISTRIES
For more information on our Christmas Kettle Campaign, click here
Santa Shuffle
Santa Shuffle
The Santa Shuffle is a fun and spirited event where hundreds of Santas, elves, and reindeer come together to raise funds for those in need during the holiday season. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, it’s a joyful event that embodies the holiday spirit.
Adopt a Family
Adopt-A-Family: A New Way to Make an Impact
While the traditional Adopt-A-Family program has come to an end in 2022, your generosity and compassion can still transform the holiday season for families in need. Through The Salvation Army Haven of Hope’s “Toy Shop” format, you can continue to bring joy to countless children and parents in our community.
Here’s how it works: your donations of new, unwrapped toys are thoughtfully displayed in our Toy Shop, where registered parents and guardians personally select the perfect gifts for their children. This approach not only provides dignity and choice to families but also ensures every child experiences the magic of Christmas morning.
Your support doesn’t just fill a toy box—it fills hearts with hope and gratitude. By contributing to our Toy Shop, you become part of a mission that empowers families and reminds them they are not alone. The impact of your generosity goes far beyond gifts; it’s a powerful message of love and care during a time when it’s needed most.
Ways You Can Help:
- Go Toy Shopping: Shop just as if you would for Adopt-A-Family. Shop for toys (we could even provide some wish lists), but rather than those toys going to one specific family, they are placed in our Toy Shop for hundreds of families to choose from. This provides dignity, respect and privacy to those seeking assistance, allowing parents and guardians to choose a gift with their own hands for their child.
- Donate Grocery Gift Cards: Families are provided grocery gift cards in lieu of a traditional hamper. We are seeing more families with specific food needs, and a gift card provides them the necessary means to fill their shelves with what THEY need for Christmas.
Grocery cards to Sobey’s stores, or Loblaws stores are preferred in denominations of $25, $50, or $100. - Contribute Financially: Your monetary gift supports both the Toy Shop and grocery gift cards for families.
Let’s keep the spirit alive by ensuring no child wakes up without a gift and no family feels forgotten. Your kindness makes it possible for us to support nearly 2,000 families each year, spreading love and joy throughout our community.
Together, we can make a lasting impact that brings smiles, warmth, and hope to those who need it most.
