One of my favourite traditions each and every year is to sponsor families within our community who are experiencing economic insecurity over the holiday season! With all of your help and the help of KCR Community Resources, the KI-LOW-NA Friendship Society, Mamas For Mamas, the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank we were able to sponsor 21 families this year! Please note we did not select the families to sponsor, we have entrusted this responsibility to these amazing organizations who directly serve the community all year round.
This year, on top of your contributions via Cameo, we have also teamed up with The Jilly Box and they have generously donated $10,000 from our 12 Days of Giving Campaign to our sponsored families initiative. In total with YOUR help, we were able to raise $23,966.25 to invest back into our community and spread some love this holiday season.
Did you know?
- “In the Central Okanagan, 5,970 children live in poverty, [that’s] one in six children”? – Global News.
- 34% of Central Okanagan Food Bank’s clients are children and youth.
- Since this time last year, the Central Okanagan Food Bank has seen a 19% increase in visits.
- Just this fall alone a further increase of 12% in families accessing food bank services.
- Each day the Central Okanagan Food Bank distributes an average of 21,000 lb. of food within Kelowna and West Kelowna.
There is no denying that on top of systemic inequalities, these last few years have been particularly difficult on so many people in our communities. This year we wanted to spread a little hope and empowerment in our local community.
In the past, we have done ALL of the shopping for everything on each family’s wish list. However, this year, we’ve decided to provide each family with gift cards so that they can do their own shopping. Not only do the parents know their families the best, but in my opinion, shopping for loved ones during the holidays is the most magical part! Along with the bundle of gift cards, we also reached out to some of our incredible brand partners who also contributed some extra holiday magic to really help these families thrive. I’ll share more of those details below!
How you can give back!
We are mindful that systemic inequities, the impact of flooding, wildfires, and other barriers prevent many community members from thriving and may be feeling isolated at this time of year, we hope to inspire everyone to join the movement to Do Some Good in your community. Whether it is a monetary gift, volunteering your time, or donating a toy or blankets, we encourage you to find out what your local relief organizations need and help elevate the impact of their work.
If you are local to Kelowna here are some of the organizations looking for support this holiday season; KCR Community Resources, KI-LOW-NA Friendship Society, Mamas For Mamas, Central Okanagan Community Food Bank, BC Flood victims, Women at risk, Neighbours experiencing houselessness, and The Bridge Youth & Family Services Society
Donations
With the monetary donations, we used this to purchase a variety of gift cards for all of the families and we also were able to partner up with a few of our favourite brands to gift some tangible items as well!
Haven Sleep Co.
Not only are Haven Sleep Co. mattresses the comfiest on the market, but this company also has a heart of absolute gold. They are always willing to give back to the local community and have donated 6 twin mattresses for a few of the families!
President’s Choice
President’s Choice is one of my favourite places to shop for all of our groceries and they have generously donated gift cards valued at $2,000 for our sponsored families.
Pomme Salon
For those of you who follow me on Instagram know that Nicole, owner of Pomme Salon is the only person I let touch my hair and she is beyond talented! Nicole and Pomme Salon have generously donated hair products for our sponsored families.
Hatley
Hatley is a Canadian company known for its quality and adorable patterned clothing for kids, my personal favourite is their PJ line! They have generously donated $2,000 for our sponsored families.
Clearly
Clearly is the only place I get my glasses from, not only do they have the perfect assortment of frames, they are on a mission to eliminate poor vision and have since donated over 500,000 pairs of glasses to individuals in need! They have generously donated 20 $100 gift cards to ensure our sponsored families have access to the eyewear and eyecare they need.
Laid Back Snacks
Laid Back Snacks are my go-to when I am in need of a delicious and healthy snack! Their team has generously donated $2,000 and a variety of their amazing snacks for us to gift.
Saje Wellness
You will likely know that Saje Wellness is my favourite company to shop from when it comes to diffusers and diffusing oils. They have generously donated 20 $100 gift cards to our sponsored family campaign.
Nature Bee Wraps
When it comes to reusable wraps and eco-friendly items I look no further than Nature Bee Wraps! They have generously donated a mix of assorted items valued at $2,000.
Revival by Martin & Co.
Revival by Martin & Co. is a Canadian, family-run, small business that creates sustainably handcrafted wood watches and jewelry with intention, purpose, and passion for the modern mindful being! They have generously donated watches valued at over $2,000.
MIFA AND CO
MIFA AND CO is a 100% natural body care brand based in Vancouver, and they have generously donated an assortment of their products valued at $2,000.
Thank you for all of your support this year and for giving back to so many members of the community! If you are looking to spread some extra holiday cheer (there’s still time!) contact your local community organizations to see how you can help!
Happy Holidays!
xo
Jilly
Well done Team Jilly!!! 😍This is amazing. I know these last couple of years have been so hard for so many. Me included. Initiatives like this fill my bucket and warm my heart.🥰 Happy Holidays to you all, Merry Christmas 🎄 and the happiest of New Years.