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Gifts of Kindness
A sudden job loss, diagnosis or change in family structure can mean that residents face financial troubles in the blink of an eye.
The Gifts of Kindness Fund provides short term financial support to help meet the basic needs of Chestermere and South East Rocky View residents.
In addition to helping people get back on their feet, this support helps prevent long term social challenges in our community such as homelessness and malnutrition.
Note: Gifts of Kindness was called the Christmas with Dignity fund until 2019.
There are no current fundraisers but you can still give anytime by calling 403-207-7079 or using this online form:
Past Fundraisers
Giving Tuesday:
On December 1, the amazing community of Chestermere generously donated $13,101 to Gifts of Kindness and with $10,000 matched (up to $10,000) by the Varico Foundation, the total contributions amounted to $23,151! Thank you!
Neighbourly November
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Holiday Packs that will enable residents to have some gift cards to purchase needed items for a special holiday celebration!
Thank you also to the 65 families and groups who signed up to Adopt a Family! FCRC Staff will be in contact to make arrangements in the first week of December.
Upon referral, the City's Family & Community Resource Centre team can meet with an individual or family experiencing financial hardship to discuss their current situation and offer strategies and resources that may provide financial relief.
This may include referrals to the Chestermere Food Bank (hampers and Good Food Box), federal support programs (employment insurance), and provincial support programs.
If eligible, the staff can also offer short term financial support to the family in the following ways:
- Basic Needs Support: Short term support in the form of a utility bill payment, grocery gift card or transportation assistance.
- Personal Essentials: Upon request, staff distribute personal care & hygiene items to residents in need.
- Holiday Packs: Staff provide gift cards to enable residents to purchase groceries for a special meal during the holidays.
- Adopt a Family: During the holiday season, staff connect donors to residents in need to ensure that they can have a meal and gifts to celebrate the season in a special way.
2019 Gifts of Kindness Report
Read more about how your donations make a difference to Chestermere families by reading the 2019 Gifts of Kindness Report.
Read a story of how Gifts of Kindness supported a family in need by clicking the image below:
Thank you!
In addition to many anonymous donors, and a $20,000 contribution by the Varico Foundation, thank you to the following individuals and organizations who supported Gifts of Kindness over the past year!
Chestermere Smiles Dental | Curtis Wagemakers | Sara McKimmie |
Chestermere Whitecappers | Paulette & Randy Tippe | Rick Van Gelder |
Kathryn Balant | Dawn Barby | BWI Enterprises Ltd. |
Brenda Clampitt | Chestermere Curling Association | Councillor Mel Foat |
Marla Forth | Akash Gogi | Betty Illingworth |
Helen Kittler | Phillip & Diane Laprairie | Sonja & Greg LeDuc |
Campbell-Mack Supply | Craig McLeod | Tim Nicholl |
Chestermere Optometry | Jennifer Peddlesden | Leslie Petrie |
Rotary Club of Chestermere | Ravinder Singh Sandhar | Brian & Brenda Scheelar |
Melanie Scott | Greg & Diane Sereda | Simrat & Karmveer Sidhu |
Kiran & Amandeep Singh Randhawa | Roy Spanko | Deborah Switzer-Cook |
Nickle Family Foundation | Chestermere Smiles Dental | Light the Lake Contest Winners |
There are three ways to get involved!
1. Participate in our current fundraiser
Scroll up to see what we are doing to raise funds and awareness for Gifts of Kindness right now!
2. Donate any amount
Any time during the year, you can make a difference in the lives of Chestermere and South East Rocky View residents by donating any amount.
- Click here to donate any amount online. Please note that if you can wait until December 1, 2020 to give, you gift will be matched on that day (Giving Tuesday).
- Send a cheque: Cheques can be made out to The City of Chestermere with the memo being Gifts of Kindness. Cheques can be dropped off or mailed to 105 Marina Road, Chestermere, AB T1X 1V7.
- Contact the Family & Community Resource Centre (403-207-7079) if you'd like to make a special donation
Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a tax receipt.
3. Sign up for our email newsletter
We provide quarterly updates to the community through the City's e-newsletter (which is sent monthly).
Click here to sign up!
Connect with us:
If you are facing financial challenges and need support, connect with our Family & Community Resource Team by calling 403-207-7079 or completing the intake form here.
The team is made up of staff who have extensive experience in supporting families in need. They will offer a confidential listening ear, suggestions for resources, and referrals to other supports.
Other Community Supports
Gifts of Kindness supports residents in need with short term financial support. Here are a few other organizations that can help support residents in other ways:
- AHS Addictions & Mental Health Services: Mental health supports
- Calgary Rural Primary Care Network: Health resources
- Camp Chestermere: Child & youth programming
- Chestermere Food Bank: Food hampers & groceries
- Chestermere Public Library: Free resources
- Rocky View Immigrant Services: Immigrant & newcomer supports
- Stepping Stones to Mental Health: Mental health supports in schools
- Strathmore Regional Victim Services: Trauma & victim supports
- Synergy: Community organization & youth development
- Prospect: Employment services & support
COVID-19 Note:
The Gifts of Kindness fund is still accessible to residents during the COVID-19 crisis. We continue to follow regular procedures for those residents requesting access to the fund, which includes the requirement that individuals and families access all other available resources prior to requesting funds from Gifts of Kindness.
This includes the provincial and federal programs that have been initiated in response to COVID-19, as well as any deferral assistance that is available. More information on these resources can be found at chestermere.ca/covid19.