Giving the Gift of Christmas to a Guest
A new way to share hope, warmth, and dignity this season
Christmas has always been a season of joy, compassion, and coming together. At the Upper Room Mission, we’ve been blessed year after year by a community that cares deeply for neighbours who are facing hardship. One of the traditions many have cherished is our Christmas Blessing Backpacks—an expression of love and kindness that has touched countless lives.
This year, we’re taking that same heart and giving it a fresh expression.
A New Kind of Christmas Gift
Instead of backpacks, we will be creating Christmas Gift Packages—thoughtful gift packages filled with treats, sweets, essentials, and gift cards. These gifts will give our guests something many of us take for granted: the joy of receiving a Christmas gift just for them.
Every person who joins us for our annual Christmas Dinner will receive a gift—something warm to open, something delicious to enjoy, and something practical to support them during a challenging season.
How You Can Share the Gift of Christmas
We’re inviting our community to partner with us in two meaningful ways:
1. Give towards the Christmas Gift
You can directly bless a neighbour by contributing:
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Gift cards such as coffee shop cards, grocery store cards, or other small-value cards that offer comfort and dignity through simple treats or food support. Gift cards can be dropped off at our shelter location 3403 27th Ave in Vernon. Please visit the wellness desk to donate your cards.
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Financial donations to our designated Christmas Gift Fund, allowing us to purchase the items needed to fill each Blessing Box with care and consistency.
Your generosity ensures that every guest experiences the surprise and delight of a truly thoughtful Christmas present.
2. Support Our Christmas Hygiene Campaign
Dignity begins with feeling clean and cared for. By supporting our Christmas Hygiene Campaign, you strengthen our year-round Hygiene Program, which provides showers, toiletries, and essential personal-care items to anyone who walks through our doors.
A contribution to this campaign helps ensure our neighbours feel valued—not just at Christmas, but every day of the year.
Hope Wrapped in Kindness
When you give towards Christmas at the Upper Room Mission, you’re doing far more than filling a box—you’re sending a message:
You matter. You are not forgotten. You are loved.
Thank you for helping us share warmth, joy, and dignity with our community this Christmas. Together, we can bring the true spirit of the season to every guest who joins us.
