Making Spirits Bright: A Community Effort to Support TDSB Families
Nov 28 2024
Local TDSB Social Worker Spreads Holiday Cheer to Families in Need
The holiday season is a time for family, joy, and togetherness. However, for some families in our community, this time of year can be challenging. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of one local TDSB Social Worker, many of those facing hardship are able to experience the brightness of the season.
Since 2014, Shaloo Parihar, a Social Worker with the Toronto District School Board, has been quietly making the holidays a little easier for families in need. What started as a small initiative, reaching out to friends and family for donations, has grown into a much larger effort, garnering the support of the school communities, local parent groups, and generous donors from all walks of life.
“I started off by reaching out to my family and friends to ask for donations to support some of our TDSB families,” says Shaloo. “Back in 2014, I was able to raise around $1300 in cash, gift cards, and in-kind gifts. Over the years, this initiative has grown, and in the past two years alone, I’ve raised over $30,000.”
With the growing support, the process has become more streamlined, allowing donors to receive tax receipts for their generosity, thanks to an arrangement with TDSB Financial/Business Services. The donations have come from a variety of sources: friends, family, colleagues, and the wider community, including parents and outside community members who want to give back and help families who are having a rough time.
The impact of these donations is felt across the city. For the past couple of years, over 40 families have been supported by this project, receiving gifts, gift cards, or both. Families are selected based on need and are referred by social workers in the LC1 division (Learning Centre 1 covers schools across Etobicoke and West Toronto). With consent from the families, Shaloo works with donors to fulfill their wish lists, ensuring that each family gets exactly what they need. Some families simply request gift cards, which are provided to help them purchase what they need most.
“My colleagues in LC1 provide me with families who might benefit from support,” Shaloo explains. “I make sure to contact each family to ask if they’d like gifts or gift cards, and then I assign them to sponsors. It’s a lot of work on top of my regular caseload, but it’s so rewarding to see the impact it has on the families. They often tell me they wouldn’t have been able to celebrate the holidays without this support.”
The support isn’t just for families of a particular cultural or religious background; it is open to anyone who could benefit. The initiative embraces the spirit of giving and inclusivity, ensuring that all families in need can experience the joy of the season.
How You Can Help:
As we approach the season of giving, Shaloo is once again asking the Etobicoke community to consider supporting this important cause. This Giving Tuesday, a well known day of giving, presents the perfect opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families who need it most.
Silverthorn CI is working right here with the local community to donate to this cause, helping families who are facing significant challenges, such as health issues, unemployment, food or home insecurities, or adapting as newcomers to Canada. These families would greatly benefit from your support.
Donations will be used to purchase essential items and/or gift cards for these families. If you would like to contribute, you can make a monetary donation through the following link:
https://tdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/457/153/false/true?school=-1&initiative=170
In the message field, please note: “Shaloo's SCI Holiday Campaign” (do not change drop-down options). Tax receipts will be provided instantly, so be sure to check all email folders.
Donations will be accepted until December 16th, and any support you can provide is deeply appreciated. Your generosity will help ensure that many families in need will have a positive and brighter holiday experience this year.
For more information or to inquire about other ways to get involved, please email Shaloo at: shaloo.parihar@tdsb.on.ca.
The impact of this campaign goes far beyond just the material items it provides—it fosters a deep sense of community and connection. Your kindness will help bring a little extra joy to many families this holiday season.