Every year, our community comes together in a remarkable display of compassion during our Holiday Hamper campaign. Through the overwhelming generosity of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers, more families than ever experienced a holiday filled with warmth, dignity, and hope.
This year’s Holiday Hamper Campaign touched lives in deeply meaningful ways. The messages we received from families were filled with gratitude, joy, and often tears — reminders of just how powerful our community can be.
Families shared stories of children waking up to gifts they never expected, parents expressed relief and renewed hope during challenging times, another shared the indescribable joy of seeing a loved one with health challenges smile for the first time in years and others spoke of how the gifts helped make a baby’s first Christmas special or brought comfort during a difficult pregnancy.
Below are just some of the full, anonymized testimonials we received — shared with permission — from families who wanted you to know just how much your kindness meant to them.
Messages of Gratitude from Families
1.
“To the family who helped us over the holidays — words cannot describe how grateful I am for your kindness and support. You made my family’s Christmas one of the best yet. My kids woke up completely surprised, and the look of joy on their faces while opening the gifts was unforgettable. I wish I had the chance to thank you in person. You made such a huge impact on us this year. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are so grateful.”
2.
“Thank you so much for your generosity! This was my baby’s first Christmas. At the end of September 2024, I found out I was 30 weeks pregnant — what a surprise. I gave birth early six weeks later, on December 18, and we spent last Christmas in the hospital. Fast forward to September 2025, we finally got housing, and the rest, I hope, is history. All the gifts were wonderful. Thank you again.”
3.
“Thank you so much. My family is beyond grateful for the wonderful and thoughtful gifts. We received far more than expected, including things we both needed and wanted. I wish I could hug you all. The joy you brought to me and my family is something I hope to create for others in the coming years.”
4.
“The hamper meant so much to us. The thought put into the gifts really showed, and my kids absolutely loved everything. Seeing their excitement and the smiles on their faces meant the world to me. I cannot thank the donor enough — especially for the gifts for my mom, who loved hers — and most of all for the gift for my dad. He has Alzheimer’s and a tumour on his lung, and his favourite thing to do is sit outside all day. The outdoor chair with a cover and cup holder meant the world to me. Seeing his huge smile is something I haven’t seen in years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. As a single mom of four kids, three with special needs, it means the absolute world to me that people care enough to help others who are struggling. The thought you put into these gifts shows that care. You made our Christmas meaningful, and I hope only good things come your way in 2026.”
5.
“Thank you so much for making our request come true. We loved our pajamas — we all wore them on Christmas Day and took family photos together. I really wanted holiday photos with my daughters, and it was extra special that we all had matching pajamas.”
6.
“We are so thankful. We felt so much care and love from all the gifts — even the ones for my baby in my tummy. I teared up opening the baby clothes and diapers. I had been having a hard time enjoying my pregnancy and sometimes felt like no one cared about my second baby. Thank you so much for including baby number two. We enjoyed opening the gifts so much, and the kids loved playing with their toys. Thank you for the incredibly generous gifts and all the love and care you put into them. You made our Christmas brighter and so special. We really appreciate it. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas as well.”
7.
“Thank you for your generous gifts. Without your kindness and support, Christmas would have felt very empty. Your help made me feel less guilty about not having money, and it made the kids happy. They were so excited to open their gifts and play with their toys and use their new boots. Thank you again. We truly appreciate your support and kindness.”
8.
“I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my son’s first Christmas so special. Things haven’t been easy being a single parent, and times can get tough, but it’s because of people like you that my son was able to have an amazing first Christmas. Thank you again for everything. Merry Christmas from my little family to yours.”
9.
“Thank you so much for the wonderful Christmas gift to our family. We are truly grateful and deeply honoured to have been selected to receive a Christmas hamper. Your generosity brought so much joy into our home. The kids were absolutely delighted, and seeing their bright smiles and excitement was priceless. Those moments meant more to us than words can express. Your kindness, thoughtfulness, and care made our Christmas incredibly special and one we will always remember. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for spreading such warmth and love. May you and your family be blessed for the kindness you have shared with ours.”
To Our Sponsors: Thank You for Making This Possible
None of this could have happened without our committed sponsors and donors. Your generosity made sure families who were struggling felt supported, cared for, and valued.
From thoughtful gifts to warm clothes, toys, household essentials, and special items chosen with care — every contribution made a difference.
From all of us at Westcoast Family Centres:
Thank you for spreading warmth, dignity, and love throughout our community.
Want to Be Part of Next Year’s Magic?
If you’re inspired by these stories and want to help create more moments like these, we would love to have you join us for the next Holiday Hampers Campaign.
Learn how you can get involved as a donor, sponsor, or volunteer here:
https://westcoastfamily.org/get-involved/holiday-hampers/
Together, we can continue to brighten holidays, uplift families, and build a community rooted in compassion.
Every holiday season, our community comes together in the most heart‑warming way to support Westcoast Family Centres clients through our Holiday Hamper Program. What began as a simple gesture of kindness has grown into one of our most impactful annual initiatives—bringing comfort, dignity, and joy to families across the region.
This year, our counsellors and support workers nominated 117 families to receive a hamper filled with essential gifts, food, clothing, and gift cards. This marks one of the highest nomination years on record, reflecting both the growing needs in our community and the unwavering commitment of our supporters.
And our supporters showed up in an extraordinary way.
A total of 86 sponsors—a mix of individuals, families, teams, and organizations—shopped, wrapped, and donated beautifully curated Holiday Hampers. Among them were 58 individual donors and families, each putting thoughtful care into selecting items that would make the season brighter. Another 28 teams and organizations used the program as a meaningful team‑building experience, rallying colleagues around a shared purpose.
Because of this collective generosity, we were able to support over 400 individuals, including children, parents, and caregivers. Each hamper provided more than gifts—it offered essentials that support health, hygiene, and overall well‑being. For many families, these hampers eased financial stress and created moments of joy during a time that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
We are deeply grateful to every sponsor who contributed. Your kindness has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the holiday season. You’ve helped families feel seen, supported, and cared for—and that is a gift that lasts.
Thank you for making this year’s Holiday Hamper Program one of our most successful yet. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more compassionate community.
Celebrating Resilience and Growth: Our 2024–2025 Year in Review
As we close another year at Westcoast Family Centres, we reflect on a journey defined by resilience, purpose, and community. For over 41 years, our mission has remained steadfast: to strengthen relationships between children, families, and communities. This year was no exception.
Facing Challenges, Building Strength
The past year brought significant challenges—rising living costs, housing insecurity, and growing mental health concerns. Yet, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners, we continued to provide essential services to families navigating complex realities. From crisis response to family preservation, our programs helped hundreds of children and parents find stability and hope.
Milestones That Matter
- 151 holiday hampers delivered to over 500 individuals, thanks to 66 generous donors.
- Family Services supported 131 children and 206 adults, working tirelessly to keep families together.
- Early Years Programs empowered young parents and supported children with special needs.
- Westcoast Wellness Centre launched, offering accessible counselling services to anyone in BC.
- The Nest, our new pilot program, helped little ones prepare for Kindergarten through personalized support.
Commitment to Reconciliation
We deepened our reconciliation and decolonization efforts through Learning & Sharing Circles, fostering a culture of empathy and respect. Our goal remains clear: to ensure Indigenous children, youth, and families feel safe and valued in our spaces.
Celebrating 40 Years
In 2024, we marked our 40th anniversary with a vibrant celebration of community and solidarity. This milestone reminds us of the incredible impact we’ve made—and the work still ahead.
Looking Forward
Guided by our 2024–2026 Strategic Priorities, we’re focused on leadership, inclusivity, financial sustainability, and quality care. Together, we’ll continue to adapt, innovate, and serve families with compassion and excellence.
Thank you to our donors, partners, and community for making this work possible. Here’s to another year of strengthening families and building brighter futures.
Please check out the full annual report to community in the PDF below:
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation falls on September 30th, 2025. This day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Canada.ca)
At Westcoast, our work goes beyond recognizing Indigenous culture, families and their history on this vital day. Prior to National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, we will be sharing some of the 94 Calls to Action that Westcoast staff have adhered to within our practice to support Indigenous families and advance active and ongoing reconciliation. We hope that these messages inspire neighbouring agencies to follow suit, or to simply strike a conversation amongst staff to find further ways to Indigenize their practice.
Call to Action under Child Welfare 1(ii)
In alignment with the federal government’s Call to Action under Child Welfare 1(ii)—which calls on all levels of government to provide adequate resources that enable Aboriginal communities and child-welfare organizations to keep families together in safe and culturally appropriate environments—Westcoast Family Centres affirms its unwavering commitment to this vital work.
We provide Indigenous-focused, intensive support services to both urban and on-reserve families. Our approach is guided by an Indigenous lens that honours traditional knowledge, cultural values, and community-led practices. This framework allows us to support families in ways that are not only safe but deeply meaningful and culturally affirming.
The spaces we create for this work are intentionally attuned to Coast Salish and Metis ways of being, fostering a sense of calm, belonging, and safety—especially within systems that can often feel intimidating or uncertain. By centering Indigenous worldviews and relational approaches, we help strengthen family bonds and uphold the dignity and identity of Indigenous children and caregivers, wherever they reside.
Westcoast Family Centres remains deeply committed to reconciliation, cultural preservation, and the well-being of Indigenous families through respectful, trauma-informed, and community-driven practices.
Call to Action – Education #7
Westcoast Family Centres is committed to reconciliation through education and culturally attuned practices. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #7, we have taken the following steps:
· Indigenous Recruitment & Retention Policy
· Developed and implemented a comprehensive, culturally grounded policy
· Actively recruit from Indigenous-specific institutions
· Hire individuals with formal education and lived experience
· Professional Development for Indigenous Peoples
· Support Indigenous staff through mentorship, training, and leadership pathways
· Use culturally informed performance reviews to support growth
· Culturally Safe Onboarding & Orientation
· New staff meet with Aaron Rivard, our Cultural Coordinator.
· Orientation includes education on history, Indigenous rights, and relational practice.
· Decolonizing Practice
· Redesigned consent processes to reduce barriers (e.g., fewer signatures, witness-only)
· Recognize traditional names and practices in internal systems and reporting
· Make intentional, values-based decisions to challenge colonial norms
· Strength-Based Approach
· View families as experts in their own lives
· Honour and uplift the unique gifts each individual brings.
· Promote inclusive participation and cultural safety in all programs
· Community Partnerships
· Collaborate with Indigenous organizations (e.g., VACFSS, MCFD, Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society)
· Share an Elders roster to support culturally safe service delivery
Westcoast Family Centres stands firmly in its commitment to reconciliation, embracing Indigenous ways of being and doing in all aspects of our work.
Call to Action – Professional Development #7
Westcoast Family Centres is deeply committed to advancing reconciliation through education, relationship-building, and culturally safe practices. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #57, we have taken meaningful steps to ensure our staff are informed, accountable, and respectful in their work with Indigenous communities.
Education and Legislative Alignment
Many of our staff are well-versed in British Columbia’s legislation adopting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). We go beyond compliance by ensuring staff understand the legislation, uphold it in practice, and advocate for clients when rights are at risk.
Culturally Grounded Onboarding
All new staff participate in a revised orientation process that includes meeting with our Indigenous Cultural Advisor, Aaron Rivard, during the on-boarding process. This fosters early relationship-building and cultural understanding, setting the tone for respectful and informed service delivery.
Indigenous Recruitment and Retention
We have developed and implemented a comprehensive Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Policy to ensure we are living into our commitment to reconciliation.
This includes:
· Actively recruiting from Indigenous-specific institutions
· Hiring individuals with formal education and lived experience
· Conducting culturally informed performance reviews
· Using tools like our “ISC Domain Questionnaire” to assess staff knowledge and experience with Indigenous communities
Mandatory Training and Relationship Building
We are sourcing and developing training modules focused on colonization, cultural safety, and reconciliation. Staff are supported in building relationships with local Indigenous Elders, communities, and organizations. Notably, we share a joint Elders roster with partners such as VACFSS, MCFD, and Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society.
This statement reflects our ongoing commitment to reconciliation, cultural safety, and respectful engagement with Indigenous peoples. We continue to listen, learn, and evolve in partnership with the communities we serve.
Call to Action – Sport and Physical Activity #90–91 & Call to Action – Business Reconciliation – #92 (i, ii, 2.iii)
Westcoast Family Centres recognizes and affirms the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, particularly those directed toward the corporate sector and the promotion of inclusive physical activity and sport. Our organization is committed to advancing reconciliation through meaningful, sustained action.
In alignment with British Columbia’s legislation, Westcoast Family Centres has formally adopted the principles of UNDRIP as a foundational framework for our organizational policies and practices. Our staff are well-versed in the legislation and actively uphold the rights of Indigenous clients and families, ensuring that our services reflect respect, dignity, and cultural safety.
Westcoast Family Centres has implemented a new Indigenous Recruitment Policy that prioritizes equitable access to employment and professional development. We are proud to work alongside Indigenous peoples by hiring individuals with both formal education and lived experience. This approach not only strengthens our team but also ensures that our services are informed by Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems.
In response to Calls to Action #90 and #91, Westcoast Family Centres supports culturally inclusive physical activity through our Building Blocks program, which provides families with access to sports and recreational opportunities that promote holistic health and well-being.
We also collaborate with community-based initiatives such as:
· Jumpstart (Canadian Tire) – supporting children’s access to organized sports regardless of financial barriers.
· Kids Up Front – enabling children, youth, and families to attend sporting and cultural events that might otherwise be inaccessible due to cost.
These partnerships reflect our commitment to reducing barriers and fostering inclusive, culturally relevant opportunities for physical activity and community engagement.
Call to Action – Child Welfare #5
In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #5, Westcoast Family Centres has taken proactive steps to support Indigenous families through culturally safe and relevant parenting programs.
While this Call to Action is directed at government, Westcoast has stepped into this space with purpose and care by developing culturally attuned parenting supports that reflect Indigenous values, languages, and practices
· Programs & Supports Offered
· Indigenous Children’s Groups – culturally grounded programming for children
· Indigenous Connection Family Dinners – fostering community and cultural connection
· Indigenous Counsellors – providing support rooted in cultural knowledge and lived experience in addition to formal education.
· Funding & Community Engagement
· We actively seek Indigenous-specific funding to expand services.
· Our programs are designed in response to the high number of Indigenous referrals and families we serve.
· Decolonizing Practice
· We embrace traditional ways of being and doing in our work and seek out
ways to change formal processes to reflect this.
· Our systems recognize traditional names and practices and our staff work hard to correctly use proper traditional names.
· Consent processes have been redesigned to reduce barriers—requiring only a witness, not multiple signatures
Westcoast Family Centres is committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where Indigenous families are supported through culturally respectful and empowering approaches to parenting.
We’re excited to share that the new Westcoast Wellness Centre website is officially live. This new online space is designed to make accessing mental health support easier and more convenient for individuals and families across British Columbia.
Operated by us here Westcoast Family Centres, the Westcoast Wellness Centre offers clinical counselling services for adults, children, couples, and families. Our team of certified clinicians brings over 40 years of experience in trauma-informed, inclusive care.
No Referral Needed
Whether you’re navigating parenting challenges, supporting a neurodiverse child or teen, or coping with trauma, chronic stress, or family conflict, our compassionate team is here to help. We offer both in-person and virtual sessions to suit your needs—no referral required.
Affordable Counselling Options
We believe that wellness should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer low-cost counselling through our supervised clinical counselling interns:
- Intern Sessions: $50 for a 50-minute session
- Registered Practitioner Sessions: $150 (individuals) / $180 (couples & families)
- Free 15-minute consultations available for all
Intern sessions are provided by practicum students completing their clinical training under the supervision of experienced professionals—offering high-quality care at a reduced rate.
Personalized, Confidential Support
Our clinicians use a range of therapeutic modalities tailored to your unique needs, including:
- Narrative Therapy
- EMDR
- DBT
- Family Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- CBT
All sessions are conducted with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism.
Visit Us Online
The new website offers detailed information about our services, team, and booking options. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help you take the first step toward wellness.
Visit the Westcoast Wellness Centre website to learn more and book your consultation today!
Westcoast Family Centres (WFC) is proud to announce that it has officially achieved COA Accreditation through June 30, 2029 — a significant accomplishment that reflects the organization’s unwavering commitment to excellence, accountability, and the highest standards of service delivery.
The Council on Accreditation (COA) is a globally recognized, independent accrediting body that evaluates human and social service organizations against rigorous, evidence-informed standards. Accreditation is not simply a formality — it is a comprehensive process that examines every aspect of an organization’s operations, governance, and programs. Achieving this milestone confirms that WFC meets — and in many areas, exceeds — best practices in the field.
What Does Accreditation Actually Mean?
COA Accreditation is a powerful endorsement of WFC’s work and values. It verifies that the organization:
- Provides services that are safe, effective, and responsive to the needs of children, youth, and families.
- Operates with transparency, ethical governance, and sound nonprofit financial management.
- Is committed to continuous learning, improvement, and innovation.
- Has earned the trust and confidence of funders, partners, and the communities it serves.
The accreditation process reviews, in detail, many different areas of the organization and judges on a score based on a ranking of 1 – 5, with one being the best. WFC received the top score a vast majority of the time – showcasing the strength, dedication, and professionalism of the entire WFC team.
A Collective Achievement
This achievement is the result of countless hours of hard work, collaboration, and reflection. WFC extends its deepest gratitude to its staff, leadership, and board members, whose commitment to the organization’s mission and values made this possible.
The organization also acknowledges the vital role of its community partners and stakeholders. Their ongoing support and collaboration have been instrumental in helping WFC reach this milestone.
Looking Ahead
While accreditation is a moment to celebrate, it is also a foundation for the future. It reinforces WFC’s commitment to ongoing excellence and impact. As the organization moves forward, it will continue to uphold the standards that earned this recognition and strive to deepen its service to families across the region.
Westcoast Family Centres invites its community to celebrate this achievement and to continue supporting its mission to build stronger families and brighter futures.
This spring, our Help Kids Play campaign at Westcoast Family Centres received numerous donations from the community for activities and experiences for WFC families. We are so excited to begin distributing these experiences to the families that we work with.
Thank you to the following organizations for their donations of admission passes and summer camp vouchers to our organization this summer:
- PNE Fair
- Playland at the PNE
- Pedalheads
- Royal Soccer Club
- The Adventure Zone
- Vancouver Art Gallery
Your generous support has provided numerous opportunities for play this summer – we sincerely thank you!
Looking to help our families in need? Get involved with Help Kids Play today by making a cash donation at: Donate – Westcoast Family Centres – Westcoast Family Centres, selecting ‘Help Kids Play’ as your fund of choice.
We also welcome donations of summer opportunities, camps and gift vouchers for WFC families. Please reach out to development@westcoastfamily.org to coordinate a donation.
Last summer, our Help Kids Play campaign impacted a family at Westcoast Family Centres in a positive and lasting way, providing them with exciting opportunities to spend time outdoors.
Thanks to the generosity of Pedalheads, an organization that offers fun, adventure-filled swim, bike, trail riding and soccer programs for kids across North America, a family at Westcoast was given a donation of two vouchers for swim programs and camps of their choice in any Pedalheads program in BC.
Pedalheads offers free camps for kids in underserved communities thanks to their Pedalheads+ program. As understood by many WFC families, endless circumstances can affect families and the opportunities they can provide for their children, despite parents wanting their children to participate in recreational activities.
Particularly, summer camps and outdoor opportunities may not operate in some neighbourhoods throughout BC, and often many of these camps or activities are out of the price point for vulnerable families.
Thanks to Pedalheads and their programs, Westcoast children were able to develop skills that will not only be carried with them throughout summer but will also follow them throughout life.
The next time this family visited a beach or pool – their little ones were ready to ride some waves, and to face any circumstance that came their way!
Looking to gift new skills like swim lessons to families in need? Get involved with Help Kids Play today by making a cash donation at: Donate – Westcoast Family Centres – Westcoast Family Centres, selecting ‘Help Kids Play’ as your fund of choice.
We also welcome donations of summer opportunities, camps and gift vouchers for WFC families. Please reach out to development@westcoastfamily.org to coordinate a donation.
