FAQ

Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?

Yes, financial and in-kind donations made to the Sponsor Our Families program are eligible for a tax receipt.

Any financial donation made online (including selecting the “pay now” option) will result in a tax receipt being sent to you automatically. If you are making a general donation to the program, this will be sent via email. If you are selecting a wish list recipient and using the “pay now” option, it will be sent to you via Canada Post.

If you choose to purchase the gifts yourself, please print and fill out THIS FORM and include store receipts for each item purchased including gift cards. You must provide the receipts to be eligible for a tax receipt (a scanned copy is acceptable). As per Canada Revenue Agency guidelines, we are only able to provide a tax receipt for the pre-tax value of these items. Please bring your completed form and store receipts with you when you drop off your gift.

Can I find out more information about my recipient or meet them?

Due to our confidentiality policy, we are unable to provide any additional information about the gift recipient.

Do I have to purchase all of the items on the wish list?

No, please feel free to purchase whichever gifts you would like. We would be grateful if you could add a grocery gift card to your donation for the recipient.

I chose to buy the gifts myself, where and when do I deliver them?

All gifts this year are to be dropped off at the Old Cathedral Boys High School located at 380 Main Street East, Hamilton. The parking lot is off of Main St E, just past the building. Follow the signage when you arrive for directions.

Drop off Dates/Times:

December 10 & 11: 4 pm-6 pm

December 12: 10 am-2 pm

December 14 & 15: 4 pm-6 pm

Please wear a mask when dropping off your gifts. Physical distancing measures will be in place to ensure your safety.

The drop off dates/times don’t work for me, how can I drop off my gift?

Contact Ruth at rmaudsley@gsch.ca to arrange an alternative drop off time.

Can I include gently used items in my gift?

At Christmas we ask that you provide only new items as gifts. If you wish to donate gently used clothing and houseware, donations can be dropped off at the Good Shepherd Venture Centre at 155 Cannon Street East, Hamilton. Donation drop-off hours are from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday to Friday. We have a 1 bag per household limit at this time due to COVID-19 affecting our sorting capacity.

Can I include a Christmas Card or note to the recipient?

Absolutely! We welcome any kind notes or Christmas greetings you wish to include with your gift.

Should I wrap my gifts?

Please feel free to put your items in gift bags or reusable bags, but please do not wrap the gifts. All gifts are checked for safety and then wrapped by staff before they are distributed. If you wish to include wrapping paper, gift bags and tape for the staff to use, it is always appreciated.

Can I include food with my gift?

Please feel free to include store-bought Christmas chocolates or cookies but no other food items.

Will the money I donate go to the Sponsor Our Families program?

Yes, all funds donated to the Sponsor Our Families program will be used to purchase gifts for recipients in our program.

I need help/I know someone who needs help this Christmas. Can I register myself or someone else to be a gift recipient?

Good Shepherd’s Venture Centre is available to help those in need of food/gifts/seasonal clothing this Christmas through our Christmas Marketplace program. Please contact 905.972.9485 to register.

I have another question

Please contact Ruth at rmaudsley@gsch.ca with any additional questions.