Celebrating holiday hope with new Canadian families

TORONTO, Dec. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - At the peak of the busiest retail season of the year, World Vision Canada hosted a unique holiday experience this morning at the Christie Refugee Welcome Centre to celebrate the hope of the holidays with many who are about spend their first holiday season in Canada.

Students from local schools joined new Canadian families, and other members of the community, for a celebration of holiday hope. At the heart of the event was a festive spirit.  

Those in attendance had a chance to meet a mother and baby alpaca, new lambs and other livestock, and learn about how these animals from the World Vision Gift Catalogue are life-giving gifts to children and their families overseas. Guests were also treated to a live performance by young musical sensation Martina Ortiz-Luis leading fun holiday classics.

The event also celebrated the generosity of Canadians this time of year. A recent Ipsos Reid poll conducted for World Vision showed that 78% of Canadians believe they would have fun giving a charitable gift, and this was an opportunity for people to kick off that seasonal fun.

As 77% of Canadians feel that picking out a charitable gift as a family brings them together by doing something fun that helps others, the rising trend in meaningful giving is transforming the impact that holidays gifts can have.

Quote:

"Canadians are known for their concern for others, such as helping families in need both in Canada and around the globe," said Bob Neufeld, Emergency and Corporate Communications Manager. "The World Vision Gift Catalogue has wonderful gift options for the person on your list who wants to help the issues behind recent headlines. Top of mind are the Help the Syrian Crisis gift, which will support our work to help Syrian families overseas, and the Canadian Assistance Fund gift which will help the children in Canada, of all backgrounds, who most need out help."

Quick Facts:

According to a recent Ipsos Reid poll conducted for World Vision

• 88% Indicate we need to spend more time at Christmas focusing on those who need help
• 82% Feel that receiving a charitable gift shows that the gift-giver has given a lot of thought to what they would give
• 87% Agree charitable gifts can help change lives and make a huge impact on those who the gift benefits

For more information visit www.worldvision.ca/gifts.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca.

SOURCE World Vision Canada

Video with caption: "Video: World Vision spokesperson, Bob Neufeld, on an event held at the Christie Refugee Welcome Centre in honour of the World Vision Gift Catalogue.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20151208_C8168_VIDEO_EN_560622.mp4&posterurl=http%3a%2f%2fphotos.newswire.ca%2fimages%2f20151208_C8168_PHOTO_EN_560622.jpg&order=1&jdd=20151208&cnum=C8168

Image with caption: "The World Vision Gift Catalogue came to life in Toronto, at an event celebrating the generosity of Canadians over the holiday season. This petting zoo featured tangible donations Canadians can give from the Gift Catalogue, benefitting families in developing countries. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151208_C8168_PHOTO_EN_560624.jpg

For interviews contact: Genevieve Barber - 416-671-0086 or [email protected]