Okanagan Outreach Faces Urgent Need for Christmas Donations

The All Are Family Outreach Society (AAFO) in the Okanagan is urgently seeking donations to support its annual Christmas program, which faces unprecedented demand amid a significant drop in contributions. As the festive season approaches, AAFO has reported a record number of people in need, with over 800 individuals seeking assistance in just the last eight weeks, compared to the typical 600 to 700 for the entire year.

Founded by Clary Lausnes, AAFO operates across regions from Armstrong to Kelowna, providing vital support ranging from food and medication for seniors to emotional assistance for those affected by trauma. The organization typically matches families in need with sponsors who provide Christmas dinners and toys for children. However, this year, the outreach is struggling to find sufficient sponsors, leaving many families at risk of being turned away.

According to Julie Vigna, AAFO’s treasurer, the number of donations has dropped to “pretty much rock bottom.” She attributes this decline to a combination of factors, including financial strain on potential donors in the current economy and the organization’s limited advertising budget, which restricts its visibility compared to larger charities.

Lausnes expressed concern for the outreach’s sustainability, stating, “We are completely broke,” with volunteers even drawing from their own finances to keep operations running. Despite these challenges, the team remains committed to ensuring that Christmas continues for those they serve. Vigna emphasized the need for support, saying, “We just need to get as many companies, individuals, and organizations to help us come through with funds so that we can help people this year at Christmas again.”

While the Christmas program is a focal point, AAFO operates year-round, addressing various community needs. However, operations are currently paused due to Lausnes recovering from knee replacement surgery, which has hindered the ability to carry out pick-ups and deliveries. Vigna noted, “I know it’s frustrating for her not to be able to do very much right now, but taking the time to heal now will stand her in better stead down the road.”

In addition to seeking sponsors for the Christmas program, AAFO is requesting donations in the form of gift cards for fuel stations or grocery stores. This approach ensures that assistance goes directly to essential needs, particularly for individuals with specialized dietary requirements. Vigna highlighted the importance of this support, stating, “There are a lot of people who just can’t eat everything that, say, the food bank would give.”

The outreach organization hopes to avoid a repeat of previous years when sponsors have failed to fulfill commitments, leaving families without support on Christmas Eve. Despite the challenges, the outreach’s mission fosters uplifting connections between sponsors and families, creating heartwarming experiences for all involved.

Individuals interested in donating or becoming a Christmas sponsor can reach out to AAFO via email at [email protected] or by calling 250-503-4983. For more information about their initiatives, visit their website at aafoutreach.org.