Homeless Partners is a project which helps provide personalized Christmas gifts for the homeless members of our community.

Volunteers visit local shelters and service providers, prior to Christmas, and interview clients to find out what they would like for Christmas. This information (protecting the confidentiality of the clients) is entered onto the website www.homelesspartners.com.

Publicity is done to encourage members of the community to visit the website, read the stories posted and purchase a gift or send a card to one or more individuals. This personalized approach helps make Christmas a little more special. Not only does it touch the people receiving gifts, but also those who give.

In 2008, we visited six local organizations: Harmony House, Ozanam, Inn From the Cold, Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, Men of Destiny and Canadian Mental Health Association. We interviewed a total of 87 individuals. A total of 83 received one or more of the item(s) they requested.

Some of the gifts included musical instruments, baby items, kids toys, winter clothing & footwear, bus tickets, phone cards, art supplies, gift certificates, and so much more.

One person was reunited with a sibling he had not seen for many years. It truly felt like a Christmas miracle!

Do you have some time that you would like to volunteer? We are looking for volunteers to assist with everything from publicity to interviewing clients at the participating organizations. All volunteers will receive training.

The Wish List began in Vancouver and has since spread throughout North America. It is a non-profit program run entirely by volunteer efforts, in partnership with the staff at shelters where the program is offered.

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Ana at 250-870-3473 or by e-mail at homelesspartnerskelowna@gmail.com.

Dawn Wilkinson is the coordinator for the Community Information and Volunteer Centre.

250-763-8008, ext 24

informkelowna@kcr.ca

www.kcr.ca