The holidays can be a difficult time for some families.

Many of the families in Ranch Ehrlo’s family programs struggle with poverty, which can lead to disappointment and unmet hopes for children and stress and struggles for parents during the holiday season.

“Poverty leads to challenges in having gifts or food during the holiday season,” explained family program director Patti Petrucka. “There is much worry about being able to buy your child a gift to open on Christmas morning. These donations make a world of difference to the families and take a weight off their shoulders during a stressful time of the year.”

But the families in the programs are getting a hand up thanks to some generous local businesses and individuals this holiday season.

The family programs received donations from:

• Henderson Insurance Moose Jaw $1,000
• Adeptus Marketing $700
• Reilly’s Construction $450
• Heather Collins $1,000
• M and M Meats $100
• Western Pizza $20
• Accell Autoglass $400
• Personal donations totaling over $600 and gift cards and coupons from local businesses (Pizza hut, TJ Pizza, Browns Social House, Hallmark, Monkey Bars, Family Pizza, and Lions Creek)

CEO of Adeptus Marketing, Brita Lind, stated that during the holidays they customarily send holiday baskets and goodies to vender and clients but this year the Saskatchewan marketing team wanted to do something a little different.

Brita stated, “Our team decided we would donate the money we'd spend on those holiday gifts to a local community organization instead. It's been a tough couple of years for everyone but even tougher for vulnerable families. We wanted to give where it's most needed and who better to know where that giving should go than an agency like Ranch Ehrlo which is working directly with families in our community?”

Patti oversees three family-focused programs that prevent the placement of children out of their homes, assist families to reunite after having a child in care, or provide support for families dealing with substance misuse. In the three family programs, 49 families will benefit from these amazing donations.

“Thank you to all the businesses and individuals who donated to the family programs this year. Your contribution helps to make the spirit a bit brighter in each of our families,” Patti added.

If you would like to donate to the family programs, please click here and select Family Treatment Program from the drop-down menu.