With the holiday season approaching, families across Alberta are feeling the impact of increased costs and the importance of stretching their household budgets. For families with lower incomes, or those in poverty or on the edge of homelessness, this time of year brings even more stress.  

You can help families breathe easier through the Trellis Society Winter Breather program

The Trellis Society Winter Breather program supports families and individuals with the cost of utilities and groceries during the difficult winter months. Through this fund, people are given a “breather” from some of the financial stress that the holidays can bring.

Unlike adopt-a-family hampers or gifts, this initiative directly supports individuals and families with challenging and expensive winter costs, allowing them to spend time and energy on the things that they personally feel are important to them. This can mean gifts, a holiday meal, a meaningful family experience or travel costs to spend time with loved ones — all things that would not be possible without your support. 

For individuals such as Yousef, your support means a warm home and food on the table for his three young children

Yousef was recently separated from his partner, had no means of immediate income, and was facing eviction from the rental home he shared with his children. Trellis was able to work with Yousef to advocate with his rental company to keep a roof over their heads. Once his housing was stable, Trellis connected Yousef to the Winter Breather program, which provided him with grocery gift cards and a full month’s utility bill payment. 

This support alleviated stress for Yousef and provided more time and energy to plan his next steps. Yousef now has a job which allows him to pay rent and bills on time, budget his funds and keep food in his cupboards for his growing family, all while working on co-parenting with his former partner. 

Giving a family a breather this holiday season opens opportunities for a different future  

Over the last year, Trellis Society served more than 5,900 children, young people, individuals and families, while creating 14,000 moments of connection and support for people in our community. We engaged Calgarians from all four quadrants of the city as well as neighbours from surrounding area, providing group and foster care, clinical supports, newcomer resources, emergency shelter assistance, family and natural support development and so much more. 

We cannot do it without your help 

As a community we can achieve so much more when we come together with shared purpose and a desire to help. Thank you for you for keeping people housed through the cold winter months and providing access to year-round services so they can thrive 365 days of the year! 

Winter Breather is proudly founded in partnership with: