Peter was a student at one of the specialized learning centers at Wood’s Homes. He had previously been supported through one of our live-in, campus-based programs.

Peter came to Wood’s Homes facing some tough challenges. He was living with his single father, who was working two jobs to support their small family. Despite this, they often lacked basic needs and did not have a natural or immediate support system in Calgary to turn to for help.

In the fall, Peter was hospitalized for almost two months after overdosing on his medication, resulting in his dad having to take an unpaid leave of absence from work. By the time Peter was well enough to go back to school, his dad was facing severe financial challenges - and the holiday season was approaching.

Our learning centre staff connected Peter and his dad to Wood’s Homes for the Holidays. A donor “adopted” his family, providing Peter’s dad with grocery gift cards to make a Christmas dinner and giving Peter a gift he’d dreamed of his whole life on Christmas morning - a bicycle. This small gesture from a total stranger provided Peter and his dad with happiness, hope and a sense of belonging that holiday season.

Clara came to the Wood's Homes Community Psychiatric Unit (CPU) the day before Christmas Eve. After struggling with long-term depression, she had attempted to take her own life and was receiving treatment at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Since Clara was not stable enough to return home, and her treatment at the hospital was over, she was referred to join our small, live-in program at Wood’s Homes for a short-term stay.

Having newly arrived, Clara woke up on Christmas morning feeling forgotten and alone. When she emerged from the shelter of her warm, cozy room, she couldn’t believe her eyes. There, under the tree, was a gift with her name on it - donated through Wood’s Homes for the Holidays. Upon opening the gift, her smile “lit up the room.” Although the last 48 hours were some of the most uncertain of her life, she relaxed into a new sense of safety and belonging - a renewed feeling of hope - knowing that she mattered.

Sophie was living in a small home on Bowness Campus, receiving support from a Wood’s Homes program. Growing up, Sophie endured severe emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. At five years of age, she’d been placed in various living situations, bouncing from placement to placement. During this uncertain, difficult childhood, she experienced severe mental health and behaviour challenges. Despite these setbacks, she was naturally gifted in art and dreamed of one day becoming an artist.

Sophie had spent many Christmas mornings in treatment settings during her life. This Christmas morning at Wood’s Homes was different. Her heart soared with excitement and hope when she opened a special package. There, inside, were art supplies - paints, brushes, palettes, and a few canvases - all hand-selected especially for her through Wood’s Homes for the Holidays. For the first time in her life, Sophie felt like someone truly cared about her, saw her, and honoured her passion for art. She couldn’t wait to fill the canvases with colour, telling her story to the world through art.

Growing up, Grant and his family went through years of turmoil. At a young age, Grant was diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, and anxiety. Grant’s parents both suffered from physical disabilities and were unable to work, relying on income support and food banks. Grant’s Mom had a history of family trauma, including domestic violence and neglect. She did her best, but did not always respond to Grant’s needs well. Despite these challenges, Grant’s family did their best to create a safe and loving home atmosphere. As their financial burdens and lack of support for Grant’s disabilities mounted, it made it hard for him to thrive.

Grant came to Wood’s Homes Under 12 (U12) program when he was seven. He was a sweet child, who really just wanted to be loved and love others. He was doing well in the program, but was sad when the holiday season came, knowing he wouldn’t be spending them at home with his family. As well, Grant’s parents felt horrible - struggling to make ends meet - knowing they wouldn’t be able to afford any gifts for him.

Through Wood’s Homes for the Holidays, a corporate donor had adopted the U12 program participants for the holidays - including Grant and his parents. Not only did Grant open some special, thoughtful gifts on Christmas morning, his family received food donations, activity passes, and gift cards. They were able to make some memories and take family outings together during the holidays for the first time in years.

Kaitlin’s foster family is loving and generous. She has their support, a sense of belonging, and regular meals for the first time in her life. Her early years were much different, moving from family member to family member until there was nowhere left to go. Experiencing a stable home was just the start for Kaitlin. As the holidays approached, she had no idea of the wonderful things to come.

Her foster family had received donations from the Wood’s Homes for the Holidays gift drive. Kaitlin had never seen Christmas through the lens of a healthy, happy family. As her foster family enjoyed the holidays, she saw gifts appear with her name on them under a beautiful Christmas tree. They visited the Calgary Zoo Lights, made a gingerbread house together, and played games in a warm, cozy living room. On Christmas day, she had her first turkey dinner. It was the pumpkin pie and whipped cream she liked the best. As she looked around the table, a funny paper hat on everyone’s head, she let out her first laugh in months. She’d never know the anonymous donor who’d supported her and her foster family, but she’d always remember her first Christmas celebration, surrounded by warmth, joy, security and caring.