Quick Escape 
It was a day of fun, celebration, and festive cheer this weekend at YWCA Hamilton’s annual Holiday Market!
On Sunday, YWCA Hamilton welcomed residents of the Putman Family YWCA, members of our Join program, and residents of Phoenix Place to “shop” for holiday presents for their families.
Thanks to the generosity of the community, roughly 150 people – newcomers to Canada, women and families who have experienced violence, people with developmental disabilities, and those who have experienced homelessness – were able to stock up on toys, housewares, clothes, hygiene items, and gifts – completely free of charge.
“I really enjoyed it, especially for basic items we need for our day-to-day lives – especially with the rising costs for low-income families, or students, or people working part-time jobs,” said Nuzhat, a new Canadian in our Join program. “This holiday market was so beneficial to all of us.”
The event also included a hot chocolate station, arts & crafts for kids, and a wrapping station to help our attendees get ready for Christmas.
”Having families here is so lovely. There’s a lot of pressure on parents to show up and have a lot of gifts and items that kids want and need, and this event is so impactful in helping parents feel fulfilled and supported by their community,” said Andrea Krock, Supervisor, Facilities and Tenant Support at the Putman Family YWCA.
The event couldn’t have happened without the support of our community, including a dedicated team of volunteers helped the day run smoothly.
“Volunteers from the Hamilton Jewish Federation are very happy to be here today,” said Elaine Levine, “At this time of year, it’s so important that the vulnerable in our community and the community-at-large have an opportunity to enjoy the holidays with their families and we’re so happy to have the opportunity to give back to the most vulnerable in our city.”
On behalf of the entire YWCA Hamilton Staff team, we’d like to extend huge thank you to everyone who helped make this event a reality, particularly our generous community partners for donating gifts or hosting toy drives: The United Way Halton & Hamilton, the McCallum McBride Christmas Fund at the Hamilton Community Foundation, The City and The City Books, the Hamilton Shoe Project, ODDS Bar, Bon Temps, and Backpacks for Brainiacs.
From all of us here at YWCA Hamilton, wishing you all the best for a wonderful holiday season and a healthy, happy 2023!