Could this be me?

“I never in my life envisioned that this is where I would be, that I would need this help,” she said.

Lisa came to the Good Food Centre to register for the Christmas Care Program.

“Coming here for help was not easy for me, but I  wanted to make sure Christmas was still special for my children.”

When Lisa came to pick up her food and toy hamper, she was overwhelmed by the amount of gifts waiting for her children.

Our Christmas Care Coordinator, Angie, recalls her asking, “Is this all for me?”

Angie walked Lisa to her car to help her load her items and she remembers that Lisa drove a nice vehicle. A nice car doesn’t negate hard times, and no car doesn’t mean someone is struggling. Accessing supports doesn’t come packaged in a single story.

Even though it was hard for her to accept that she needed help, Lisa was grateful for the food and gifts she received.

“I couldn’t believe the kindness of others wanting to help someone like me, someone they don’t even know.”

“They are always grateful that others care to provide toys for their kids during a time when they financially can’t,” said Angie.

Since March 2020, things have changed drastically for many people. COVID-19 has had a financial and emotional impact on many families. Many people have accessed our services for the first time after being laid off or losing their jobs. Many families have struggled to put food on their tables and many families will come to us this Christmas for a little extra support.

“Anyone could be in this situation. It could be you, it could be me, you never know,” said Angie.

*Lisa’s name has been changed for privacy reasons.