We cannot say thank you enough for the beautiful donations and hard work that each of you will provide to the youth of The Refuge through the Christmas Backpack Programs.

Christmas can be a very challenging time for the young people who call The Refuge home. During this time of hope and celebration, The Refuge family, of which you are a part of, seeks to remind our youth that they are special, worthy and loved, by creating an atmosphere of hope and celebration. One of the ways we celebrate is by hosting a Christmas party. A full turkey dinner is served, games and fun activities are enjoyed, and the youth leave with a backpack filled to the brim with love – a backpack you create.

This Christmas we thank you for joining us in demonstrating this love and care for our youth who desperately need to feel wanted this Christmas!

Christmas Program Fast Facts:

1. While preparing for the Christmas Backpack program, we always enjoy the beautiful discussions that come up with the youth about family traditions.  Out of these discussions we revise the backpack content list to reflect some of the joyful memories that they have shared.

2. In 2024 there were 205 Christmas Backpacks handed out at our Christmas party and into the new year.

3. Based on last year’s feedback, we estimate that putting together a Christmas backpack will cost approximately $155.

5. The Christmas backpack program is a great group activity.  It also helps to spread out the cost!

How does the program work?

1. Decide which type of backpack you would like to create.  We are looking for backpacks specifically targeted to youth age 11+, kids age 7-10 and 1-6, and infants age 0-1.

2. Register to participate by completing the form at the bottom of this page.  When you register, you will receive our 2025 Christmas Backpack Kit which provides all the instructions you need to assist you in putting together your gift.

3. Work individually or as a group to shop for the items on the content list for the type of backpack you have chosen.

4. Fill you backpack and stocking with the items. 

5. To help us get your gift into the right hands, securely attach a label to the handle of the backpack. Include the age and gender, or the name of your Adopt-A-Youth.

6. Drop off your beautiful gift to us on Friday, December 5, 2025 between 9:00am-7:00 pm at The Refuge 357 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa ON, L1H 4J2. Our front door is at the back of the building! 

Christmas Backpack Program registration is now closed. An overwhelming thank you to everyone who participated in a million different ways to make this program a success! If you would still like to get involved this Christmas, you can shop our Christmas Wish Catalog here!