Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the families benefiting from the Surrogate Santa Program?
The families served by the Surrogate Santa program are the most disadvantaged in our communities and are served by child welfare organizations in Toronto. These children come from families where abuse, neglect, poverty, violence, homelessness and substance abuse are a part of their daily lives. The harsh reality of these circumstances hits harder at certain times of the year, and no more so than during the holiday season. For families who struggle to meet day-to-day needs, the holidays bring additional stress as they try to provide gifts and better food for their children.
2. How can I become a Surrogate Santa?
a) Sponsor a family or youth
Shop for a family or youth in need this holiday season! To request a profile and wish list of a family or youth, please contact Rebecca Llewellyn at 416-923-0924 ext 235 or at rllewellyn@cafdn.org. To help you find a suitable match, please mention the size and/or composition of your ideal family (ie. family of 5).
b) Fundraise online
If you are unable to sponsor a family on your own or wish to help more than one family, join our virtual santa personal fundraising campaign by reaching out to your friends and families for support! Develop your own fundraising webpage here. Your contacts will then be able to make on-line donations to help families in need.
c) Make a monetary donation
No time to shop for gifts but interested in making a monetary donation in support of this cause? There are three ways you can help make a difference to children, youth and families this holiday:
o Mail: 25 Spadina Road, Toronto ON M5R 2S9. Cheques should be made payable to the “Children’s Aid Foundation” with a note re: Surrogate Santa. Please send only cheques.
o Phone: call Rebecca at 416-923-0924 ext 235.
3. How much does it cost to sponsor a family?
- $250 will provide a holiday meal and gifts for a family of four
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$100 will provide a holiday meal for a family
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$50 will purchase a gift for a young person on their own this holiday season
Please note that these figures are solely guidelines as any gift for the Surrogate Santa Program will be greatly appreciated.
4. Must I purchase every item on the family’s wish list?
Wish lists act as guidelines to help you better shop for these families and youth. You are not obligated to purchase every item on the list.
5. Can I purchase food items?
Unfortunately we do not accept any food items, canned or perishable. Any donations for holiday meals should be made in cash.
6. Why make a cash donation?
Monetary donations will be used towards purchasing food vouchers for families and youth. Through the Children’s Aid Foundation’s long established relationship with a major food retailer, we are able receive 25% more for every dollar you donate. This means that a $100 donation will translate to a food voucher worth $125!
Also, it is our experience that families who benefit from this program enjoy the opportunity to shop and select items for their own holiday meal, particularly as most of them usually rely on the services of their local food bank.
7. Where can I purchase food vouchers?
Food vouchers can only be purchased through the Children’s Aid Foundation.
8. If I decide to sponsor a family, will I have the opportunity to meet them?
Due to confidentiality and privacy legislation, donors are not allowed to meet the children and families they sponsor. In addition, many families, although appreciative of the outpour of support, are often embarrassed by their situation and are uncomfortable in a “Meet and Greet” setting.
9. Do I get a tax receipt for my donation?
As a registered charity with Revenue Canada, we are able to issue official Income Tax Receipts. Charitable donation receipts will be issued for in-kind gifts or cash donations exceeding $10.00. Original store receipts must accompany all in-kind donations.
10. Should I wrap the gifts?
We ask that gifts be unwrapped (gift bags are encouraged) as we need to count and catalogue all items for auditing and taxation purposes. As well, unwrapped gifts help us to ensure that the appropriate donations are delivered to their intended families. All gifts will eventually be wrapped before delivery.
11. Where and when do I drop off my donation?
Please drop off all gifts at the Children’s Aid Foundation, located at 25 Spadina Road, Toronto. We are located slightly north of Spadina and Bloor. Program dates TBD. Our office hours are Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm.
12. Who delivers the gifts to the families and how do I know whether the family actually receives my gifts/donation?
The Children’s Aid Foundation ensures that all donations and gifts are distributed to the children and families for whom they are intended. The Foundation subscribes to the Donor Bill of Rights, Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice and the Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code (Imagine Canada) and is accountable for its actions.
Since we have a separate endowment fund covering our administrative expenses, 100% of donations we receive are directed to programs having a direct impact on the children and families we serve.
13. Can I write cards for the family?
Absolutely! Feel free to write a personalized card to the family/child you are sponsoring.
14. When will the 2010 Surrogate Santa program start?
It will begin in late October or early November 2010. For more information, please refer to the contact information provided below.
15. What if I have more questions?
Please contact Rebecca Llewellyn at 416-923-0924 ext 235 or at rllewellyn@cafdn.org if you have further questions.