Around 80 families across Central Alberta have already registered and The Outreach Centre hopes to raise $100,000 in this year's efforts.

By Alessia Proietti

A Family Christmas for all

New ways to donate to The Outreach Centre’s Adopt-A-Family program

Dec 8, 2021 | 2:17 PM

Around 80 families across Central Alberta have already registered for The Outreach Centre’s Adopt-A-Family program and the organization is hopeful the community will come together in support of the initiative.

Taking applications from the end of November to Dec. 17, the Adopt-A-Family program focuses on providing assistance to single parent households during the Christmas season. In coordination with the Red Deer Christmas Bureau, the proceeds are used to purchase groceries, children’s toys and access to ongoing therapies like mental health and grief therapy, children’s art therapy, domestic violence, and more.

Donors can choose a family size to sponsor, starting from a small family of a parent and one child for $525 up to an extra-large family of a parent and five children for $1,500. Other donation amounts and gift cards are also accepted.

While the program has been running for over 20 years, the pandemic has made things a little different, focusing more on monetary and gift card donations rather than delivery of presents.

“It’s kind of nice too. We give the gift card to the parent and then the parent actually gets to shop for their children. And we think that’s a pretty nice feeling for mom and dad to have; to be able to shop for their children,” said Ian Wheeliker, Executive Director of The Outreach Centre.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

Dec 14, 2025

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

This year, the program hasn’t been raising funds as quickly as in previous years.

“It’s been a little bit slow so we do need the community’s support this Christmas. I know that times have been tough and it’s hard to find the extra dollars to support charitable programs,” said Wheeliker.

The Centre has used $40,000 of their own funds to support the families. To date, roughly $30,000 has been raised specifically through the Adopt-A-Family program.

In 2020, around 180 families were served with funds reaching their goal of $60,000. Wheeliker estimates the same number of families will register this year.

In support of the program, the Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce has decided to partner with The Outreach Centre by selling Red Deer branded clothing.

Last year, the Chamber ran a design contest inviting entries from community members. Winners were then determined by an independent judging panel comprised of local artists. The Chamber then worked with a local apparel company to develop the clothing.

“There has always been an incredible amount of pride in our community and we regularly receive inquiries from groups looking for Red Deer branded clothing and accessories. The designs really embody the character and essence of our city and we’re thrilled to give Red Deerians an opportunity to show their love in a stylish and comfortable way all while supporting a great cause,” said Reg Warkentin, Policy & Government Relations Manager of Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce.

The Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce will donate two dollars for every hat and three dollars for every T-shirt sold to the Adopt-A-Family Program and will match the total raised. (Red Deer $ District Chamber of Commerce)

For the month of December, the Chamber will not only be donating two dollars from every hat sale and three dollars from each T-shirt sale to the program but will also match the total funds.

With the help of the community and the Chamber, this year’s goal is to raise $100,000.

For The Outreach Centre, the wish for families this Christmas, Wheeliker said, is peace and harmony. A Christmas without abuse and violence.

Wheeliker said he hopes, “that they have presents under the tree on Christmas morning. The kids wake up and they’re excited and happy and then they have a lovely Christmas dinner and know that we’re there to support them throughout the rest of the year. It’s not just a one day deal; we’re there for them every day throughout the year.”

Sponsors can visit The Centre’s website to donate or for more information at https://theoutreachcentre.org/donate/adopt-a-family/.

The Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce is an association of businesses and personnel in the Red Deer region who promote business growth and economic prosperity.

The Chamber’s clothing is available in limited quantities and sizes at the Chamber office or through the website at www.reddeerchamber.com/store. They will also be offering chances to win the apparel on their social media pages.