Making the Holidays Brighter for Airdrie Families

Behind every hamper is a family facing hardship, a child hoping for the magic of the season, or a senior needing to feel remembered. Since 1977, the Holiday Hamper Program has delivered more than 6,000 hampers to locals. Last year alone, we supported 375 hampers or 1,437 individuals, made possible through the generosity of our community and volunteers.

If you are in need of support this holiday season, we encourage you to apply. Our team is here to help and ensure the process is respectful, confidential, and supportive.

Applications for the Holiday Hamper Program open October 2026

Every hamper is generosity funded through the community. We welcome anyone who wants to get involved and make an impact in Airdrie through volunteering, donations, and sponsorship.

Each hamper includes grocery gift cards, thoughtful gifts for kids, teens, adults, and seniors, along with other essential items.

Our entire program is run by dedicated volunteers, contributing over 3,000 hours to our hamper program alone, plus additional support from community.

Adopt- A - Family

Help make the holidays brighter by sponsoring a family. Sponsors receive a wish list and provide gift cards, treats, gifts, and wrapping supplies based on family size. Every sponsorship helps bring warmth, joy, and dignity to local families during the holiday season.

What to Include:

  • Gift Cards for Presents

  • Holiday Treat (i.e. chocolates)

  • Wrapping Supplies

  • Grocery Gift Cards

  • Unwrapped gifts

Five women wearing red vests standing behind a table filled with holiday items, including hats, gloves, wrapping paper, a toy truck, and a box of Pampers. They are smiling in a kitchen setting with black cabinets and hanging lights.

Ways to Donate

Can’t sponsor a full hamper? Every support makes a meaningful difference. Every toy, gift card, and donation helps ensure local families feel cared for and remembered during the holiday season. We welcome:

- Toys

- Gift cards (especially for adults, teens, and seniors)

- Monetary donations by mail, dropped off at our donation center, e-transfer (treasurer@airdrie1st.com), or ATB Cares

*Tax receipts available for donations over $20 (include a store receipts & form for non-cash gifts, which can be found at our donation center).*

Two women with masks and red vests at a Christmas hamper table, talking, with gift bags and sign that reads 'Christmas Hamper Program' from Airdrie Minor Hockey Association.

Supporting Local

We encourage donors to shop locally. Great gift card ideas:

  • Grocery Stores

  • Cross Iron Mills Mall

  • Toy Stores

  • Clothing Stores

  • Restaurants

  • Art Supply Stores

  • Garden Centers

  • Hardware Stores

  • Movie Theatres

  • Spas/Hair salons

How To Apply

Applicants must be Airdrie residents and will be screened based on income.

Documents Required:

- ID for all household members

- 60 days income proof

- Utility bill

- Bank statements (2 months)

- CRA Notice of Assessment (2025)

Application Period:

Applications to OPEN in October 2026

Sign for the city of Airdrie, with a snow-covered ground and evergreen trees in the background.

 FAQs

  • We support Airdronians experiencing financial hardship during the holiday season, including families, seniors, and individuals in need. We welcome everyone, regardless of background, culture, or belief, and our programs are offered with dignity, respect, and compassion for all.

  • Each hamper includes a grocery gift card, a gift card for a holiday treat, and a gift for every individual. We also do our best to include winter essentials such as hats, mitts or scarves.

    Every hamper is thoughtfully tailored to the individual or family receiving it, based on family size, ages, and needs and it also depends on the generous donations we receive each year. Our goal is to ensure each hamper feels personal, meaningful, and supportive during the holiday season.

  • You can support the Holiday Hamper Program by donating funds, adopting a family, or contributing gift items. Visit our Get Involved page for more information on how to get involved.

    We welcome donations such as toys, games, puzzles, clothing items (like socks, hats, mitts, and scarves), chocolates/ Candy Canes, and gifts, as well as gift cards for groceries, clothing, gas, and stores. Monetary donations are also greatly appreciated and help us fill the gaps based on each family’s needs.

    Whether you give, adopt, or donate items, your support helps bring comfort and joy to local families during the holiday season.

  • Families are matched through our Sponsorship Coordinator to ensure fairness, balance, and the best possible fit for both sponsors and recipients. While specific personal or identifying information is never shared, sponsors are provided with general details such as family size, ages, gender and their wish list.

    This is where it gets exciting, you get to have a say in the size of family you’d like to support! You can let us know if you’d prefer a family with children, seniors only, an individual, how large or small of a family you’d like, and our Sponsorship Coordinator will work with you to find the perfect match from our hamper applications.

    Together, we thoughtfully connect sponsors with families in a way that feels meaningful and rewarding. Then comes the best part! Bring on the holiday joy through thoughtful giving and shopping for your matched family.

  • Yes! Local businesses, teams, and community groups are welcome to donate, sponsor families, contribute materials, or get involved. We are a volunteer-driven program that operates 100% through donations, community support, and partnerships. These connections are essential in helping us meet the growing need each year. Please reach out to discuss partnership opportunities. Contact Us