Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund Spreading Holiday Cheer to Immigrant Families
- Kathleen Clarete
- Dec 23, 2025
- 3 min read
It’s that time of the year again, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to spread the holiday cheer and partner again with Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund—an initiative that started in 1906, aiming to provide gift boxes for children from financially vulnerable families across the Greater Toronto Area. These gifts bring joy, comfort, and a sense of celebration to families during one of the most meaningful times of the year.
Through this partnership, we were able to share gift boxes with 296 children from 176 immigrant families in our community, ensuring that children can feel the magic of the season no matter what challenges their families might be facing.
Why This Partnership Matters
At Kababayan Multicultural Centre (KMC), supporting immigrants, no matter who they are and in any way we can, is truly the heart of what we do. The holiday season can be overwhelming emotionally, socially, and even financially for immigrant families.
The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund allows us to extend our support in ways that are beyond our services and programs. This initiative helps lighten the load parents feel by giving their children a moment of excitement and belonging. This creates special memories, sparks joy, and reminds families that there is a community here for them.
Children ages 0-12 years old from countries like Mexico, the Philippines, Colombia, Venezuela, Nigeria, and China received a gift box packed with love and age-appropriate gifts, including a warm hat and mittens, a hoodie, socks, a book, a toy, a treat, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.
Celebrating Moments of Joy
We received heartfelt messages from both the children and parents, showing their true joy as they received their gifts. Here are a few of these messages along with photos that will truly warm your hearts.
"I wanted to write to thank the entire Kababayan Spanish team for helping us register so my little one could receive this beautiful gift. We loved every single one. Thank you so much for your generosity, and may God continue to bless everyone in the organization! Thank you very much from Samuel and Ingrid. Merry Christmas!"
"Quería escribirle para agradecerles a todo el equipo de Kababayan en español por ayudarnos con el registro para que mi pequeño reciba este hermoso detalle, nos encanto cada uno de los obsequios. Muchas gracias por su generosidad y Dios los siga bendiciendo a todos los de la organización! Muchas gracias de parte de Samuel e Ingrid. Feliz Navidad! "
— Ingrid & Samuel
"I'd like to thank you for the Santa Claus box that my baby received. She was very excited when we opened it. It was her first gift from Santa this year. ✨ I feel so grateful to you!"
"Quería agradecer por la caja de santa Claus que recibió mi bebé, ella estaba muy emocionada cuando la abrimos, también fue su primer regalo de santa de este año ✨ Me siento muy agradecida con ustedes! "
"We are so happy to have received the boxes this year. Thank you so much for this wonderful and noble work, and especially for the generosity of those who donate and bring so much joy to our homes. May God bless you abundantly! Merry Christmas!!"
"Estamos contentos de haber recibido las cajitas este año. Muchas gracias por esta noble y gran labor y sobre todo por la generosidad de aquellas personas que donan y entregan mucha alegría en nuestros hogares. Que Dios les bendiga grandemente! Feliz navidad!!"
— Itzel
"Thank you so much. God bless you and all the volunteers and organizers. Merry Christmas!"
"Muchas gracias. Dios la bendiga a usted y todos los voluntarios e organizadores. Feliz navidad!"
— Nicol
Thank You, Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund
As we wrap up the year, we are reminded of the power of community and what happens when people come together to uplift one another.
We want to extend our deepest thanks once again to the Toronto Star for their generosity and for trusting KMC to be part of this initiative. Together, we were able to deliver hope, warmth, and holiday cheer to families in our community, one gift box at a time. Here’s to sharing more joy in the year ahead!
If you’re interested in supporting families in programs like this, there are many ways to get involved:
Share our mission with your network
You may also head on to the Toronto Star to donate directly to the Santa Claus Fund.
