Above and Beyond
How to help in a more significant way:
The RFTS families express profound gratitude for the support they receive from KCS families during this time of year. The needs of the RFTS families extend beyond nourishment, encompassing critical requests that could significantly enhance their quality of life. These include essentials like space heaters, blankets, school uniforms, a washing machine, along with educational tools like laptops, a guitar, and access to swim passes. Please see below for the list of needs our families have requested.
While these gifts are exciting to give, food is the primary focus for these families who are struggling.
This holiday season, your generosity can go even further! One amazing family from our community has pledged to match every monetary donation of $500 or more supporting the Above and Beyond RFTS program, up to $10,000. This means your gift will have double the impact – letting us support even more families to meet their basic needs this holiday season.
If you are interested in contributing any of these items or services, please reach out to Tania Da Fonseca at [email protected]. Your generosity can truly make a difference in the lives of these families.
Family #1
Parent: Single Mother
Children: Daughter (5)
Above and Beyond Request: Laptop for Mom’s schooling(Committed by Tennant family), Child-size table and chairs
She dreams of a brighter future for her family as she works and studies to become self-sufficient. A laptop could make all the difference in her education, giving her the means to excel in school. Our support can alleviate some of this family’s hardships, instilling hope for a brighter future.
Family #3
Parents: Mother and Father
Children: Daughter (17), Son (16)
Above and Beyond Request: Cell phone with plan (Bell or Rogers), Extra food gift cards so funds can go toward PSW support
This resilient immigrant family was struck by tragedy last year when the father, previously the family’s sole provider, was in a hit-and-run accident that left him paraplegic. He is unlikely to walk again and requires 24/7 care and a personal support worker. This has left the family in a challenging situation with no other relatives in Canada to offer support.
Family #8
Parent: Single Mother
Children: Daughter (18), Daughter (15), Daughter (12)
Above and Beyond Request: L - Shaped Couch, Space Heaters (Committed by Vivien and Ava A)
This family faces unique challenges as the younger daughters have learning disabilities and require specialized support to thrive in school. In addition to grocery and clothing gift cards, this mother has requested space heaters and blankets to help keep her family warm during the winter months.
Family #15
Parent: Single Father
Children: Daughter (17), Daughter (16), Daughter (12), Daughter (10), Daughter (9), Son (14) and pet cat
Above and Beyond Request: Nando’s Gift Card (for family of 7)(Committed), Skullcandy Crusher Headphones (Committed)
They would love to share a meal together at Nando’s this holiday season—a rare treat that would mean the world to them.
Family #18
Parent: Single Mother
Children: Daughter (14), Son (20), Son (12)
Above and Beyond Request: Guitar(Committed) and Guitar Lessons
Her 14-year-old daughter has endured severe trauma and is seeking ways to cope and heal. Music has become a vital outlet for her, and she dreams of learning to play the guitar to find solace and express herself.
Family #19
Parent: Single Mother
Children: Son (11)
Above and Beyond Request: Desktop Computer, Eyeglasses, Queen-Size Box Spring(Committed), Sofa, Rug, Electric Scooter
This single mom struggles to settle in Canada with her 11-year-old son. She attends school to improve their circumstances but is challenged with financial hardship. She needs items that most of us take for granted - reading glasses (Mom is shortsighted), “2 large boots” for her son, a queen box spring, a sofa, a desktop computer, and two sets of queen bed sheets.
Family #25
Parent: Single Mother
Children: Daughter (11), Son (14), Son (9), Son (4)
Above and Beyond Request: Apartment-sized washing machine that connects to sink and is rated 110/120 volts, Bishop Allen uniform from McCarthy’s(Committed)
While she seeks assistance with groceries and essentials, one of her critical needs is school uniforms for her children. She has requested navy polos and pants for three of her children, along with a Bishop Allen uniform from McCarthy’s for her teenage son.
Family #30
Parent: Mother and Father
Children: Daughter (4), Son (6)
Above and Beyond Request: CN Tower (4), Microwave, Blender (Committed by Anderson-Weeks family)
The father recently secured a job after tirelessly searching. Unfortunately, it’s minimum wage with inconsistent hours, making it hard to cover essential expenses.
Family #35
Parent: Single Mother
Children: Son (18), Son (15)
Above and Beyond Request: Sporting Event (3)(Committed), Water park passes
They are learning coping skills to manage a tense relationship and gradually restore their mother-son connection. To support this growth, the mother seeks shared experiences that unite them, such as movies, sports events, swimming passes, and board games.
Family #41
Parent: Mother and Father
Children: Daughter (6), Daughter (2.5), Daughter (1)
Above and Beyond Request: CN Tower (2 adults + youth + child), TTC Passes, Pots for Cooking (Committed), Carpet for children to play on (Committed by Jen & Albert Patel)
This family struggles with a salary that doesn’t stretch far enough to cover rent and groceries. The mother, determined to support her children, walks long distances to access essential services from the George Hull Centre
Commitments for the Donor matching program:
Donor: Jenny Repec and Dean Cutting $600
Anonymous donor $1,000
Donor: Nikhil Anand $500
Anonymous donor $500
Donor: Anderson-Weeks family $500
Donor: Da Fonseca Lachapelle family $500
Anonymous donor $500