For over 30 years, the Christmas Brunch Committee has come together in support of Family Services of the North Shore’s annual Christmas Bureau.  Since its inception, founder Tina Rowntree and the committee have hosted their local community for an annual holiday brunch and, in the process, sourced hundreds of gifts for North Shore children through the associated toy drive.  Moreover, the committee’s fundraising efforts have raised over $96,000 for the Christmas Bureau in the last six years.  

“Thank you for making this Christmas possible for us. I lost my husband when one of my girls was 3 and the other was a newborn, and we have been struggling ever since then. Your gifts made my kids scream with joy and excitement, and they can’t wait to open them on Christmas Day.” 

In honour of the founding committee, who joined together 30 years ago to support the families of the North Shore, our online fundraiser will benefit Family Services of the North Shore’s Thrive Family Programs. Thrive offers free drop-in sessions and provides life-changing services including parenting resources, pre- and post-natal support, family counselling and more to parents and caregivers with children age 0-6. Families attending Thrive can also receive support through the Christmas Bureau. With your help, we can help keep these wide-reaching programs free and accessible to families who need them most. If you are able to support, please donate below.

As we raise funds for Thrive Family Programs, we recognize that many families turn to the Christmas Bureau for support. We are still accepting donations of new gifts for teens. Please see the Gift List below. Thank you for helping families experience the joy, dignity, and connection that make the season brighter.

With thanks to the dedicated committee: Laura Allen, Lindsay Ert, Jamie Hodge, Joanna Koh-Stewart, Elizabeth Price, Jody Rebak, Beth Rowntree & Erin Telfer.