Share the Thanksgiving intention with refugee families and help welcome them to the community.
Thanksgiving has been associated with a harvest celebration since before European colonization: a time to come together and give thanks for the abundant food ahead of the cold winter.
Similar to many cultural traditions around the world, food takes centre stage. Potlucks, ‘friends-giving’, and the blend of diverse flavours and cultures across Canada bring new dishes to accompany the traditional turkey.
However, not everyone can take part.
Food insecurity is reaching unprecedented levels across Canada. Recent newcomers are at significant risk, especially those facing increased barriers such as racism, difficulties in credential recognition, unemployment, and a lack of social networks.
In 2024, 32% of food bank clients were newcomers, a rate 1.5 times higher than the average of Canadian-born adults. Poverty, together with a lack of access to culturally familiar foods, aggravates the stress and anxiety many newcomers face when restarting their lives.
We hear stories of food insecurity every day.
That is why we developed the Grocery Gift Card program.
We transform donations into gift cards and work with local grocery stores and community partners to maximize the impact on refugee families’ access to nutritious food.
Take part this year. Help share the Thanksgiving intention with refugee families.
Donate and receive the special recipe for Mantu, a beloved Afghan savoury dumpling dish for special gatherings. Kindly made by Hossai Qani, Data Manager at Canadian Connections.
Donate-what-you-can model. Suggested $15.
All donations will go directly to the Grocery Gift Card program.
Gift cards eliminate barriers for refugees to access nutritious food with dignity and agency. Learn more about how this program has helped hundreds of families since 2021. https://canadianconnections.org/grocery-gift-cards/