KCS Reason for the Season
Our 21st season With the George Hull Centre, Etobicoke

Give a gift. Change a life.

This holiday season, local families facing poverty, housing instability and food insecurity are counting on our KCS community. One gift card can put food on the table, keep a family warm, and let a parent choose a gift for their child.

Choose a gift to give Meet our families
21years partnering with the George Hull Centre
10families supported this season
$10Kmatching pledge for Above and Beyond
Why gift cards

A simple card. A lifeline for a family.

It may not look exciting under a tree, but a gift card gives families what they need most this winter, and the dignity of choosing it themselves.

Food on the table

Grocery cards ease the pressure of rising food costs through the holidays and into the new year.

Warm, and on the move

Winter clothing, transit and personal care items, the everyday essentials that are hardest to stretch for.

The joy of choosing

Parents get to pick and give their child a gift themselves. That moment is the true heart of the season.

“The gift lies in the act of giving.”
How to give

Four steps from sign-up to someone's doorstep

  1. 01

    Pick a gift

    Browse family wish lists by grade and sign up for any open item. You can choose more than one.

  2. 02

    Buy a physical card

    Plastic or printed only, no e-gift cards. Ask the cashier for the activation receipt.

  3. 03

    Fill the envelope

    Use the RFTS envelope from your child's backpack. Add the card, receipt, and a kind note if you like.

  4. 04

    Drop it off

    November 17, 18 and 19. Junior School: find our elves in the upper lot. Senior School: hand it to the Service Club.

Start with step one Read the full FAQ
Above and Beyond

Double your impact this year.

Some generous members of the KCS community will match every grocery or Walmart gift card of $500 or more, up to $10,000. Above and Beyond also covers bigger needs that change daily life: mattresses, bedding, winter coats and boots.

See critical requests
Matching pledge progress
$0 of $10,000
Questions about matching? Contact Shira Brym or Deirdre Matthews
Good to know

Common questions

Can't find your answer? Visit the full FAQ or reach out to the RFTS team below.

How can my child participate?
Children are encouraged to make cards with messages of encouragement to include in family packages. Please drop these off with your gift card envelopes on collection days. Feel free to discuss the program at a level you feel is appropriate—students also recently heard from a George Hull Centre representative about ways to help in the community.
Can I donate a gift card that isn’t listed or one I already have at home?
Possibly. Please email the RFTS team first so we can confirm it’s a good fit for the families’ needs.
Why aren’t the family numbers in order?
Family numbers are assigned by the George Hull Centre and may not be sequential.
I’d like to support at a higher level. What options are available?
Thank you! In addition to gift cards, some families need mattresses, blankets, pillows, winter clothing and footwear.  See our Above and Beyond page for details and to coordinate larger gifts.