Caring for our community at Christmas
and throughout the year.
Christmas Bureau
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North Shore News Photo/ Mike Wakefield |
Opening Day:The Christmas Bureau is now closed, and will re-open in November 2010. Phone: 604-984-9627 Fax: 604-988-3961 |
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You can now Donate online to the FSNS Christmas Bureau
Secure industry standard encryption technology is used when form related data is transferred to FSNS.
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Sponsor-A-Family
You can put a smile on someone’s face this Christmas by Sponsoring-a-Family. Recruit the help of your family, friends, colleagues or community groups to provide a hamper for low-income families and individuals. Find out more about this program by downloading our brochure What does it mean to Sponsor-a-Family?
To register as a Sponsor, you can:
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Fill out the secure online Sponsor-A-Family Form. |
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Download the Sponsor-A-Family Request Form. Fill in the top portion and return by fax to 604-988-3961. |
Sponsors are eligible to receive a tax receipt. Download and complete the Tax Receipt Request Form. Attach all your original sales receipts for your hamper purchases, including the receipt or photocopy of the Food Certificate prior to December 31st and mail to the FSNS office or drop off your completed form at the Christmas Hamper Exchange.
Download Adobe Reader
Make A Financial Donation
The Christmas Bureau relies entirely upon the generosity of our community and sponsors to fund this program. Note: Secure industry standard encryption technology is used when form related data is transferred to FSNS
- Online - fill out our secure Online Donation Form
- Call the Christmas Bureau at 604-984-9627
- Mail your donation to:
Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau
#101 – 255 West 1st Street
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3G8
Tax receipts will be issued for all donations over $20.00. Please make cheques are payable to FSNS Christmas Bureau.
Make An In-Kind Donation
Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau collects NEW, UNWRAPPED toys and gifts. Your donation may be dropped off at our convenient Drop-Off Boxes located throughout North and West Vancouver or delivered to the Christmas Bureau location. Drop-off box locations will be listed in the North Shore News and ready for your donation November 27, 2009.
Please help us stock our ToyShop. Here are a few ideas:
- Infants and Preschool educational and developmental toys
- Girls and Boys 5 - 11 years, jewelry kits, art supplies, craft sets, books, backpacks, sleeping bags, building toys and science sets
- Tweens and Teen Girls and Boys, accessories, movie passes, gift certificates, sports equipment, electronics, make-up, bath products and art supplies.
*We are in particular need of interesting gifts for teens. Certificates to clothing stores, music, movies or other forms of entertainment are most welcome. You can’t go wrong with the latest trend or the hottest hit.
Every year the Christmas Bureau provides hampers for low income seniors, the ill and disabled of all ages. We are often asked to provide some basic necessities, items that make life a little more comfortable, the simple luxuries that are out of reach to many on a fixed-income. There are so many ideas, here are just a few that would be most appreciated.
- Gift box of cookies, tea or coffee, chocolates, specialty foods
- Calendar, stationery, magazines
- Toiletries, shampoo, shaving cream, nice soaps
- Candles, napkins, kitchen towels, mugs, kitchen items
- T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, socks, scarves, gloves, pajamas
- Blankets, bedding, towels, household accessories
- Household tools, umbrella, carry-all
Certificates
- Restaurants
- Movie Theatres
- Books and Music
- Clothing
- Department and Drug Stores
- Grocery Stores
Tax receipts will be issued for all in-kind donations over $20.00.
Download and complete the Tax Receipt Request Form. Attach all your original sales receipts, including the receipt or photocopy of the Food Certificate. Mail to the FSNS office or drop off your completed form at the Christmas Bureau prior to December 31, 2009.
Download the Adobe Reader
Register For A Christmas Hamper
Low-income families and individuals living on the North Shore and Bowen Island who require assistance to celebrate Christmas may register for a Christmas Hamper. ToyShop appointments will be scheduled for families with children 16 years and younger.
- Applications will be approved based on income levels or extreme circumstances.
- All applications must be received by December 4, 2009.
- Exceptions to the above will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Applications will be available at:
- Family Services of the North Shore
- Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau
- Ministry of Human Resources, North Shore offices
- Salvation Army
- Harvest Project
- North Shore Neighbourhood House
- North Shore Multicultural Society
About Our ToyShop
All registered parents or guardians with children under 16 years of age and residing in the same household are eligible for a ToyShop appointment. Parents may select gifts and stocking stuffers for each child.
- Children are not permitted at the Christmas Bureau ToyShop.
- A selection of gifts and toys are intended to be used by the parents or guardians to be placed under the Christmas tree for their children.
Gifts are donated at the discretion and generosity of the community. Selection and availability may vary per age group.
Bikes for Tykes Program
Obsession Bikes, located at 94 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, needs previously owned bicycles.
These bikes will be restored to 'like new' condition and delivered to children on the North Shore for Christmas. For more information email James Wilson at info@obsessionbikes.com or Christmas@familyservices.bc.ca
History
Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau, formerly the North Vancouver Christmas Bureau was initiated during the Depression. Twenty-five years ago it became a program of our agency providing the Bureau with stability and administrative support as well as greater financial accountability. In 2004, the West Vancouver Santa Claus Fund amalgamated with Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau expanding the service to all low-income families and individuals living on the North Shore and Bowen Island.
Each year corporate sponsors, private donors, service clubs, schools, and community groups support the Christmas Bureau and help to provide Christmas Hampers to families and toys for children. Last year more than 635 Christmas hampers were distributed and approximately 5100 toys were distributed to children.
Volunteer Opportunities (must be 16 years or older)
Volunteers are required for:
- Office tasks
- Sort, set-up and dismantle the ToyShop
- Personal Shoppers to assist parents with gift selection at the ToyShop
- Organize and distribute hampers at the Christmas Hamper Exchange, and
- Drivers to deliver hampers and collect toys from our Drop-Off boxes
Call Janet, FSNS Volunteer Coordinator at 604-988-5281 ext. 312 for more information.
Christmas Bureau Sponsors
