Salvation Army Makes Family’s First Christmas in Canada Special

When Ouafaa Eladmi and her family moved to Canada three years ago, she knew they were embarking on a transitional period that might require some sacrifices, one of them being the Christmas season.

The family, originally from Casablanca, Morocco, first had to adapt to their new surroundings. The move from a big city to a small town such as High River, Alta., was a significant change. With no family or many friends around, Ouafaa was expecting a toned-down Christmas.

“We were able to get everything thanks to the program.”

“We were thinking our first Christmas would be different in a negative way,” Ouafaa remembers. “We couldn’t even afford a tree or decorations.”

However, that was not the case.

In the early days in High River, Ouafaa discovered The Salvation Army through the thrift store, where her family shopped for affordable items. Learning about the Army’s Christmas hamper program changed Ouafaa’s outlook on their new life and upcoming holiday season for the better.

“They explained the services they could provide for us, including Christmas support,” Ouafaa says.

Since she didn’t know what to expect, Ouafaa had prepared her two young children to lower their expectations for Christmas. However, they got all the toys they hoped for.

The community and family services team at The Salvation Army asked Ouafaa what her two children would like for Christmas. She listed what each wanted and they later received the games and toys they had requested, plus more.

In the Christmas hamper they received, Ouafaa’s son got a meaningful present, a hoodie he has now outgrown.

“It is still his favourite thing. He remembers it as the first gift he got in Canada.”

“With the gift card, I was able to buy groceries.”

Ouafaa and her husband also received grocery gift cards, which they appreciated very much.

“With the gift card, I was able to buy groceries. My son came with me and he got to pick all his favourite snacks,” she shares.

After seeing all the great things that happened since they joined the Christmas hamper program, Ouafaa’s fears of a dim festive season disappeared.

“We were able to get everything thanks to the program. Decorations plus gifts. It was exceptional,” Ouafaa adds.

Now better settled in High River, Ouafaa loves it.

“This small community feels like you are with family. People are willing to help and listen to you,” she says.

As a way to express her gratitude for the support her family received, Ouafaa and her son will be volunteering at the “Smile Cookie” fundraiser in partnership with Tim Hortons, which will donate half of the proceeds to The Salvation Army.

“We are trying to give back as a thank you for what we got.”

By Juan Romero