Holiday Giving
FESTIVE FUTURES Give the Gift of Choice
Festive Futures is an initiative that directly supports women participating in our Small Steps to Success program and – for the first time this year – the women staying in our emergency homeless shelter.
This annual holiday drive focuses on making the holiday season a little bit easier. This time of year can be especially tough for women and gender-diverse individuals living on low incomes, but you can help make this festive season a little brighter by purchasing a gift card.
How You Can Help
There are two simple ways to make a meaningful difference:
1. Donate Gift Cards
We’re collecting cards in denominations of $25, $50, or $100 from the following stores:
- Walmart
- Giant Tiger
- Dollarama
- Grocery stores
- Tim Hortons
- McDonald’s
- Shoppers Drug Mart
Drop-off by December 12, 2025
✉️ Connect with Nataleigh Ballantyne (n.ballantyne@ywcacambridge.ca) to let us know you are participating!
📍 Drop off at The W – 20 Dickson St, Unit 101, Cambridge, ON
💛 Include a mug and hot chocolate if you’d like (it adds a personal touch of warmth!)
2. Give Online
Can’t get out for a gift card?
We’ll take care of it for you. Make a secure donation, and we’ll purchase and deliver the gift cards on your behalf.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FESTIVE FUTURES
Because every woman deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported.
“Festive futures helped us so much, we were able to get some necessities that we really needed. It made the holidays so much more special“
— Small Steps Graduate, 2024
Across Waterloo Region, many women and gender-diverse individuals are working hard to rebuild their lives after facing immense barriers like unemployment and housing instability to experiences of trauma and violence.
Programs like Small Steps to Success and our Women’s Emergency Homeless Shelter provide a foundation for stability and growth, but the holidays can still be a difficult time.
While many community drives focus on children or families, adults overcoming these barriers are often overlooked. For the women and gender diverse individuals we serve, a small gesture, like a gift card, can mean the difference between feeling forgotten and feeling valued.
Festive Futures is possibility for those in our community who may need a little extra support.
Every contribution helps participants in our Small Steps to Success program and residents of our Women’s Emergency Homeless Shelter experience a moment of choice, dignity, and joy during the holidays.
💛 A $25 gift card might mean a warm meal on a cold day.
💛 A $50 card could buy boots or a new winter coat.
💛 A $100 card might cover a week of groceries for a family.
These contributions send a powerful message:
You are seen. You are valued. Your hard work matters.
“Thank you, Thank you. Receiving a Gift Card for Festive Future, was very much appreciated. I live alone and Holidays can be hard. Receiving a gift card, allowed me to spend the gift card for self care, otherwise it would have been just another day. Thank you.”
— Small Steps Graduate, 2024
Community Partners Welcome
Are you part of a service club, business, or community group looking to make an impact together?
- Adopt a Wish List: Gather members to assemble gift bags for women in our programs. Please contact us for specific requested items and more information.
- Donate as a Group: Contribute funds and we’ll handle the assembly and delivery.
To coordinate your group’s participation, please contact Nataleigh Ballantyne (n.ballantyne@ywcacambridge.ca) by December 1, 2025.
When women are supported to take small steps toward independence, they create ripples of change that strengthen our entire community.
Join us in making this season one of care, dignity, and hope.
Together, we can make this a truly Festive Future for women across Cambridge.
Every Gift Tells a Story
About Small Steps
Empowering Change through Small Steps
Your gift supports Small Steps to Success, a 12-week pre-employment and life skills program that helps women and gender-diverse individuals rebuild confidence, community, and careers. And, for the first time, residents in our Emergency Homeless Shelter.
Each participant leaves not only with a resume but with renewed strength, supportive peers, and a clear path toward independence.
“The day I learned about boundaries, I started using them — and wow, has it helped me out! This program changed my life.”
— Brittney, Small Steps Graduate
Through Festive Futures, your contribution extends that transformation, reminding participants that their community stands with them as they continue to build their futures.