Odyssey House brings back Adopt-a-Family program

Nov 23, 2025 | 6:00 AM

An Odyssey House official says one of its most difficult times is also one of the most heart-warming.

The annual Adopt-a-Family program has launched.

Odyssey House executive director Mikaela Benson says several community organizations take part.

“The whole premise is to make sure that no family goes without gifts and a proper holiday season, however they want to celebrate that.”

“For us, internally, our Adopt-a-Family program makes sure that women and children experiencing domestic abuse are not impacted and that we can minimize the disruptions for the children.”

Benson says individuals or businesses can sponsor a family.

“We don’t identify the family, obviously, for safety reasons.”

“The other opportunity (is) for those living in shelter over the holiday season, we do have Santa’s Workshop, and so we always seek gifts for adult women and teenage children and then younger children so that they can come in and shop for one another.”

Benson adds anyone who wants to help can contact Odyssey House.

“And just specify they are wanting to support Adopt-a-Family, and we can put them through to our coordinator for the project this year.”

The contact information is development@odysseyhouse.ca or 780-296-3380.

by Curtis Galbraith