P.E.I. Family Expands Holiday Stocking Drive for Unhoused

A family from Prince Edward Island is reinforcing their commitment to help the unhoused this Christmas, even as many households face rising costs. For the past seven years, Andrea Donaldson and her family have organized a stocking drive filled with essentials for those without stable housing. This initiative is deeply personal for Donaldson, who experienced homelessness multiple times between the ages of 17 and 30.

Reflecting on her own past, Donaldson recounts a moment over a decade ago in Vancouver when a stranger handed her a stocking on Hastings Street. “That always stuck with me,” she shared. “It made me feel loved and unforgotten, and it gave me a little bit of Christmas hope.” Now a mother of seven, with five living at home, Donaldson involves her children in this annual project, teaching them empathy as they sort supplies in their living room.

“It teaches them to love other people, teaches them to be humble,” Donaldson said. Her son, Tre Gordier, 9, added a light-hearted reason for participating: “Because she’s my prettiest mama.”

Financial challenges have intensified this year, particularly with rising grocery costs for their large family. Donaldson had a candid discussion with her children, explaining that they would have fewer gifts under the tree this Christmas. “I’ve always raised them to think Christmas is about who’s with you, not what’s on display,” she emphasized.

Largest Drive Yet and Community Support

This year’s stocking drive is set to be the largest yet. Starting with fewer than 20 stockings in its inaugural year, the family plans to distribute at least 50 this season. The community’s response has been encouraging, with contributions not only from individuals but also from local businesses and organizations. One notable supporter is The Village Summerside, an outreach organization focused on homelessness, which donated a substantial bin of supplies.

Elysha Whitlock, the executive director of The Village Summerside, expressed her enthusiasm for community involvement. “We absolutely love seeing other people within the community step forward and take that initiative to help those that are living unhoused,” she remarked.

Whitlock highlighted the urgency of the situation during winter months, noting, “We’ve seen a lot of frostbite situations happen. We’ve seen people’s health decline rapidly.” She pointed out that many individuals experiencing homelessness face extreme conditions every night.

The stockings prepared by Donaldson’s family contain hand warmers, hats, gloves, hygiene products, and treats. This year, they also include blankets, a necessary item during the cold season. The distribution will take place around Christmas in Montague and Charlottetown, with remaining supplies delivered to homes across the island.

Fostering Compassion and Understanding

Through this initiative, Donaldson hopes to inspire compassion within the community during the holiday season. “They come from many different walks of life,” she remarked. “We shouldn’t place judgment on them — just keep showing compassion and love. That actually means more than anybody will ever know.”

As the family continues their tradition, they exemplify the spirit of giving, reminding others that the essence of Christmas lies in kindness and togetherness, rather than material possessions.