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Sharing A Meal

Assistance Programs

The Christmas Bureau strives to ensure all families have an enjoyable Christmas by providing those in need with a full Christmas meal, along with gifts and toys for children. We accept only those living in Red Deer, Red Deer County (please call to confirm county lines), Penhold, and Springbrook. Only those who meet the guidelines will be accepted for the program. 

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We do not accept qualifying information via email, Facebook, or phone. You must apply in person at the Red Deer Christmas Bureau.

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For more information, please call 403-347-2210.

Important 2026 Dates

Application Interviews: November 12 - December 17, 2026, Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

First day of shopping: November 18, 2026

Last day of shopping: December 18, 2026

Food Hamper Pickup: December 21 & 22, 2026, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Child Picking Toy

How To Apply

Because we would like to help as many people as we can, we have guidelines for applications.

You MUST have ALL the following information with you when you come in person to apply:​

  • Photo identification

  • Alberta Health Care Cards for ALL family members on the application

  • One month's recent bank statement

  • Proof of income for all adults 

  • Proof of current address (eg. utility bill)

Group of volunteers.jpg

Toy Depot Program

We believe parents should be able to give their kids gifts and toys during the holiday season. Our Toy Depot is set up in a way that gives parents the experience of shopping for their children without a price tag attached.

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Once your application is accepted, you will be given a card with a date and appointment time to come and choose gifts for your children. PLEASE keep this card and come on the date and time that was given to you so we can keep on schedule.

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We also have pajamas, mittens, books, games and puzzles for your children. They say it takes a village to raise a child and we, at the Red Deer Christmas Bureau, want to help by becoming part of that village.

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Please note that kids are NOT allowed in the Toy Depot.

Child Opening Gifts
Happy Family Dinner

Food Hamper Program

We believe every family deserves a hearty and full Christmas meal. We provide food hampers of various sizes with variable items to meet your needs.
 

Please bring your food hamper voucher at your appointment date and time when you come to collect your hamper.

*Note: If you do NOT come to pick up your food hamper, you will be denied assistance from the Red Deer Christmas Bureau for the next 3 years. NO EXCEPTIONS!

3 or More People

  • Turkey

  • Potatoes

  • Peas

  • Fruit cocktail

  • Peanut butter

  • Spaghetti

  • Spaghetti sauce

  • Apple juice

  • Shreddies

  • Carrots

  • Apple sauce

  • Stove top dressing

  • Milk

Single or Couple

  • Ham or Chicken​

  • Potatoes

  • Peas

  • Fruit cocktail

  • Peanut butter

  • Spaghetti

  • Spaghetti sauce

  • Apple juice

  • Shreddies

  • Carrots

  • Vegetable soup

  • Canned stew

  • Milk

No Meat

  • Canned salmon

  • Potatoes

  • Peas

  • Fruit cocktail

  • Peanut butter

  • Spaghetti

  • Spaghetti sauce

  • Apple juice

  • Shreddies

  • Carrots

  • Lentils

  • Pinto beans

  • Milk

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