Lisa Werring News Today

Some Metro Vancouver non-profits are seeing a surge in demand before the holidays that’s outpacing previous years.

The kits include vouchers or Hello Fresh for ingredients for three meals for a family of four, along with a gingerbread house kit and directions. 

Kits ‘are an absolute smashing success with our families’

Demand is high once again at the Surrey Christmas Bureau as community members grabble with rising costs, staff said.

Four businesses in Burnaby have their doors open until Dec. 6 to accept clothing and toy donations for a holiday drive.

Toy Depot being set up at former Canadian Tire store in Whalley

Toy Depot being set up at former Canadian Tire store in Whalley

Eleven businesses in the Tri-Cities have their doors open until Dec. 6 to accept clothing and toy donations for a holiday drive.

Every year, the Surrey Christmas Bureau looks for a donated space in the city where it can set up a toy distribution centre. But a real estate crunch has led to a lack of available warehouses, retail spaces and offices and the organization has yet to find a space as the holiday season approaches. 

Christmas is the time of year when many people have time off work, enjoy opening presents under a lit-up, decorated tree, and come together to enjoy a feast with family and friends. However, behind closed doors, Christmas is a sad season for those impacted by poverty, and for many the pandemic has heightened this problem.