As the holiday season draws to a close, we at DEWC want to take a moment to reflect on the holiday-time celebrations we hosted and extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made it possible. Throughout the season, we had a series of events to make all the people we serve had their share of joy!
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our supporters, volunteers, and donors. From the bottom of our hearts, we say thank you for making this holiday season extraordinary for the women and children we serve.
Holiday celebrations at DEWC
1- December 17th: the Holiday Dinner
Celebrated the week leading to Christmas at our 302 Columbia St drop-in, this special meal is a cherished tradition at DEWC. Like every year, the room was filled with love, warmth, and camaraderie as women who face the hard realities of loss and isolation especially during the holiday season.
Our staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to convey the love of our donors and friends to 514 women by giving them gift bags and serving a warm, delicious Christmas dinner. The smiles on the faces of the women as they enjoyed the delicious food is a testament to the power of your support.
2 – December 14th: the Christmas kids’ party!
Every year, DEWC hosts a party to spread Christmas joy and warmth to the children and teenagers of the women we serve.
From photos with Santa to games, 109 children were able to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. Every corner of the room was filled with laughter and cheer, and it was impossible not to smile at the sight of their faces lighting up with happiness.
And of course, the children were thrilled with the gifts they received. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, each child got to pick their special present from an abundance of toys, games, gift cards and makeup. The excitement on their faces as they unwrapped their presents was priceless. . For some of these children, this was the only Christmas gift they would receive, and your support made sure that they felt the true spirit of the season.
3. December 20th: Elder’s Dinner
Every year, the Elder’s Dinner serves as the celebration of the wisdom, strength, and resilience that Indigenous Elders at DEWC carry with them. 27 women attended the event that started with an opening prayer from Elder Rita followed by a dance by Juanita Desjarlais. Each of them got a special gift as a token of our gratitude for their presence alongside us.
4. December 20th: Community peers’ dinner
All year long, we work alongside women of the community who decide to give back to their peers by joining our team and participate in the Skills Development Program. In the kitchen, on the floor or in the clothing room, their work is integral to DEWC’s services. To celebrate them, we held a special event where they were treated with a special dinner, a great photobooth offered by MagikMoments, and amazing gifts.
5. Christmas morning at the shelters
Finally, on Christmas morning, women in all our shelters enjoyed a nice christmas brunch with a thoughtful gift – including a PJ set. The shelters turned into a giant slumber party, making the Christmas energy felt by everyone present.
Thank You for Being Part of the Change
Whether you donated gifts, volunteered your time, or made a financial contribution, your kindness has truly made an impact on the community of the women we serve and their children. The success of our holiday events—and the impact it had on so many lives—was made possible by you.
We would like to specially thank Crofton House School, Parq Casino and BCLC, as well as AIG Insurance for their generosity and commitment towards putting together all the gifts for the community peers, the women who stay at our shelters and the Indigenous Elders. Thank you to Magik Moments for donating their photo booth at the Community Peer’s Dinner. We want to express our immense gratitude to Main Street Brewing and Montecito Elementary School for their massive contribution of toys from their toy drive for the children and the “House” Wives of Hip Hop dance team for their continued support gathering gifts for the women 5 years in a row! We want to thank The Shoebox Project for Women for their continued support and their amazing donation of gift cards this year!
This holiday season, you’ve given more than just presents. You’ve given hope, love, and warmth to the women and children, offering some respite from the day-to-day challenges of their lives.
As we enter the new year, we are inspired by your generosity and commitment. From all of us at DEWC, thank you once again for your incredible support. We look forward to continuing making a difference in the lives of the women who walk in through our doors!
Wishing you a peaceful, joyful, and hope-filled New Year.