Youth Haven’s Boxes of Hope campaign is underway and the organization hopes the community will help the region’s youth have a memorable Christmas.
Boxes of Hope are gift packages given to youth who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in our community.
Youth Haven executive director Lucy Gowers said the boxes go a long way for some youth who haven't opened a gift at Christmas for years.
“It's uplifting. It gives them hope that someone cares and gives them the confidence that they can take on any challenge,” said Gowers. “This simple act of kindness does so much. Think about how much it means to you if someone holds the door open for you one day or if you’re stranded with a car problem and someone takes the time to assist.
"Trust me, it means the world to these youth.”
People can purchase a box for $50 and the money raised from each purchase will be used to buy items that Youth Haven needs. Items such as gift cards, gloves, winter hats, hygiene products, toiletries, bus tokens, and more are purchased and delivered for a Christmas gift.
In 2019, the Boxes of Hope campaign raised more than $17,000.
But 2020 has been a challenging year because of COVID-19, and youth and staff were uprooted from the Barrie shelter to a hotel for their health and safety. Their outreach teams in Barrie, Orillia and across Simcoe County continue to maintain contact with at-risk youth while practising physical distancing.
“We try very hard to provide a family environment, but with COVID it has been a challenge,” said Gowers. “When the kids wake up on Christmas morning, they’re basically going to be sequestered in their room. They’re not going to have the opportunity to really share in the excitement and warm family atmosphere we like to give when they come through our doors.”
Established in 1987, Youth Haven provides a hopeful pathway for young people that would otherwise be condemned to a life of homelessness.
As Simcoe County’s only youth shelter, Youth Haven provides critical services to approximately 400 youth every year.
To purchase Boxes of Hope, head to the website by cicking here.
