Above and Beyond
How to help in a more significant way:
Double your impact!
Since food is the primary focus for families who are struggling, some generous members of the KCS community have pledged to match every grocery or Walmart gift card donation of $500 or more to support the Above and Beyond RFTS program, up to $10,000. Your kindness will stretch twice as far, helping even more families meet their basic needs this holiday season.
Critical Requests!
On occasion, the needs of the RFTS families extend beyond nourishment, encompassing critical requests that could significantly enhance their quality of life.
If you are interested in contributing to any of these items or services, please reach out to Shira Brym at [email protected] or Deirdre Matthews at [email protected]
Family #3
Parent: Single Mother
Child: Son (3)
Above and Beyond Request: Toddler toys and books (Committed)
This little boy loves building and playing with toys, particularly things like blocks, and a special surprise along these lines would bring excitement and joy to his holiday.
Family #7
Parent: Single Mother
Children: Son (18), Son (16)
Above and Beyond Request: Child and Youth support person, Art lessons or classes and supplies (Committed)
The younger son, in particular, has found the transition to high school challenging and has struggled to build friendships and feel connected to his school community. He has a natural talent for drawing, but his passion for art has been sidetracked as he works through his grief.
Family #17
Parents: Mother and Father
Children: Son (5), Son (2)
Above and Beyond Request: Gift Cards to buy furniture/ an area rug, Gift card to Canadian Tire to buy sports equipment (Committed), a Nespresso machine, Family passes to Canada's Wonderland
Small gifts, including toys, books, or sports equipment, would bring excitement to the boys, while experiences such as a movie outing, bowling, or a visit to Canada's Wonderland would give the family an opportunity to spend quality time together and create happy memories.
Family #19
Parents: Mother and Father
Children: Son (7), Daugher (5), Daughter (2)
Above and Beyond Request: Disney on Ice Tickets, Great Wolf Lodge Passes
With much of the family's focus on managing health concerns and essential expenses, there are limited opportunities for the children to enjoy the everyday experiences that bring comfort, excitement, and a sense of normalcy. Grocery support and educational
activities would help meet practical needs, while movie tickets, indoor playground passes, or Disney on Ice would create opportunities for family fun. A Great Wolf Lodge stay or hotel getaway would offer a special chance to unwind, enjoy time together, and create lasting memories.
Family #21
Parent: Single Mother
Children: Son (10), Son (4)
Above and Beyond Request: Specialized sensory toys/books/clothing for autistic children, Nintendo Switch
Groceries and gift cards would help ease the pressure of daily expenses, while clothing, sensory items, and age-appropriate toys would provide practical support tailored to the boys’ needs. These contributions would make a meaningful difference in helping create
a comfortable and enriching home environment for both children.
Family #31
Parent: Single Mother
Children: Son (14), Son (11), Son (9)
Above and Beyond Request: Anime books, Sonic the Hedgehog™ toys/clothes (Committed)
Clothing support, particularly oversized hoodies, would be welcomed, while movie tickets would give the boys an opportunity to enjoy one of their favourite activities together. They also love anime and collecting books, so an anime-inspired gift or a new
addition to their book collection would bring a little extra excitement.
Family #37
Parent: Single Mother
Child: Daughter (7)
Above and Beyond Request: Gift card (e.g. IKEA) to purchase a Queen bed frame, iPad for school
The family’s most pressing needs include groceries, clothing, winter jackets, a queen bed frame, and an iPad to support her daughter’s learning.
Family #40
Parent: Single Mother
Child: Son (1)
Above and Beyond Request: Gift card (e.g. IKEA, HomeSense) to purchase blankets and comforters (Committed), Toys for 1-2 years (Committed), Diapers (20lb)
Support with diapers, warm winter clothing, and other baby necessities would help ensure her son has what he needs during the colder months.
Family #42
Parents: Mother and Stepfather
Children: Teenager (15), Son (7), Son (6), Son (1)
Above and Beyond Request: ADHD/Anxiety sensory toys, Family Board Games (Committed), Personal Care gift basket, Socks (Committed)
This family of six, with three young boys and a teenager, is struggling to provide basic necessities and desperately need our help. When asked what their immediate needs are, their number one request was socks for all family members. Other urgent requests
include basic personal care items like shampoo, body wash, deodorant and toothpaste, as well as school supplies for the kids..