We cannot say thank you enough for the beautiful donations and hard work that each of you will provide to the youth of The Refuge through the Christmas Backpack programs.

Christmas can be a very challenging time for the young people who call The Refuge home. It is often a reminder that they are alone, hurt, neglected and without family. During this time of hope and celebration The Refuge family, which you are a part, seeks to remind our youth that they are special, worthy and loved, by creating an atmosphere of hope and celebration.

Each Christmas season since our beginning in 1999, The Refuge has worked to provide the true spirit of Christmas through the unconditional love demonstrated for us through the birth of Jesus Christ. One of the ways we celebrate is by hosting a Christmas party. A full turkey dinner is served, games and fun activities are enjoyed and the youth leave with a backpack filled to the brim with love – A backpack you create.

This Christmas we thank you for joining us in demonstrating this love and care for our youth who desperately need to feel wanted this Christmas!

How does the program work?

1. Decide which type of backpack you would like to create.  We are looking for backpacks specifically targeted to youth, kids, and infants.

2. Register to participate by completing the form at the bottom of this page.  When you register, you will receive our Backpack Kit which provides all the instructions you need to assist you in putting together your gift.

3. Work individually or as a group to shop for the items on the content list for the type of backpack you have chosen.

4. Fill you backpack with the items.

5. Print out the content list from which you have been working and verify that you have included all the items.  This list also doubles as your backpack gift tag.  Complete the list by filling out the age and gender to which your backpack is targeted and then securely attach it to the handle of the pack.

6. NEW  – Drop off your beautiful gift to us at the backdoor of Trinity Pentecostal Church (900 King St E Oshawa) on Friday, December 2, 2022 9:00am-7:00 pm.

Christmas Program Fast Facts:

1. Over the last couple of years, while preparing for the Christmas Backpack program, we have enjoyed the beautiful discussions that come up with the youth about family traditions.  Out of these discussions we have revised the backpack content list to reflect some of the joyful memories that they have shared. 

2. In 2021 there were 178 Christmas Backpacks donated to The Refuge!

3. This year’s deadline for drop off is Friday, December 2nd by 7:00pm.

4. Based on last year’s feedback, we estimate that putting together a Christmas backpack will cost approximately $80.

5. The Christmas backpack program is a great group activity.  It also helps to spread out the cost.

Upon registration you will receive a 2022 Christmas Backpack Kit that includes all the information you need to assist you in putting together your gift.

Peace and Love.