Get involved > Volunteer > Gift C.A.R.D. > Family profiles
Gift C.A.R.D. Program
Family profiles:
If you are trying to think of gift card ideas, click on the following family profiles to get an idea of who Family Service Toronto serves and what gift cards might benefit them:
- Separated woman, new to Canada, with infant
- Single mom with two daughters
- Man, 54, with AIDS
- Family of two parents and 3 children
- Grandmother with adult son with an intellectual disability
- Woman taking care of elderly mother with Alzheimers
- Single man with intellectual disability living with elderly mother
- Senior woman living alone
- Single working mother with three teenaged boys
Profile #1
Separated woman, new to Canada, with infant (8 months). Recently escaped an abusive marriage. She is currently studying English and has no family or friends in Canada. Hopes to find employment when her infant obtains a spot in a subsidized daycare. She has just found a small apartment, but lacks furniture, household necessities, clothing and food.
Profile #2
Single mom with two daughters, ages 11 and 13 living in west end. Works cleaning houses, and recently has had to take a number of days off due to back pain. She is having trouble making ends meets and feels sorry that her daughters cannot afford to join in activities with their friends. Looking for ways to help daughters to connect with their friends and to improve the quality of life at home. The daughters enjoy sports, listening to music and going to movies.
Your gift cards could help her purchase:
- movie passes
- home entertainment items (CDs, CD player)
- groceries
- clothing
- furniture
- an afternoon or evening out with a friend for coffee
- drug store items
- an evening at a restaurant
Profile #3
Man, 54, with AIDS is no longer able to work and is living alone. He is living in poor conditions and becoming increasingly isolated due to his bad health and lack of income. Needs to commute regularly to medical appointments. Looking for ways to decrease isolation.
Your gift cards could help him purchase:
- groceries
- drug store items
- coffee shop or entertainment certificates
- household items (e.g. blankets)
- transportation tickets/tokens
Profile #4
Family with two parents and 3 children, one boy, aged 5 and two girls, aged 7 and 15. The mother stays at home to care for the young boy, who has Crohns disease. The father has been unable to work for the past year due to mental health issues. They live in the east end and have to commute regularly to Hospital for Sick Children for medical appointments. Parents would like to be able to provide children with gifts of toys, family-friendly games and clothes for birthdays and the holiday season.
Your gift cards could help them purchase:
- toys
- transportation tickets/tokens
- clothes for school
- groceries
- entertainment
Profile #5
Grandmother lives with her son, 35, who has an intellectual disability, her single daughter, 26, and two grandchildren, aged 4 and 6. Daughter works during the day to support the family, while the grandmother looks after the son and grandchildren. Grandmother has limited mobility and enjoys reading when she has the time. Son enjoys playing video games and would like to be able to go out for coffee with his friends occasionally. Help with basic necessities would be appreciated.
Your gift cards could help them purchase:
- books
- time out at a coffee shop
- toys and video games
- groceries
- drug store items
- items from department stores
Profile #6
50-year old woman taking care of her elderly mother who has Alzheimers. Daughter has recently reduced her hours of work so that she can spend more time looking after her mother and is finding it increasingly difficult to afford necessities, such as food, toiletries and clothes. She would also appreciate certificates that would help keep her connected with friends.
Your gift cards could help them purchase:
- groceries
- clothing
- drug store supplies
- an afternoon or evening of entertainment
Profile #7
Single man in his mid 30s with intellectual disability living with his elderly mother, who is on a fixed income. He has recently lost his part-time position cleaning tables at a local restaurant, and is unable to contribute towards family necessities.
Your gift cards could help them purchase:
- groceries
- winter clothing and footwear
- books on CD
- outings (restaurant coupons)
- drug store items
Profile #8
Senior woman living in a small apartment. Does not have any income other than a government pension. She needs staples such as food and drugstore items, and would love to be able to go out once a month to dinner or a movie.
Your gift cards could help them purchase:
- groceries
- Drugstore items
- Household items
- entertainment
- and evening at a restaurant
Profile #9
Single working mother with 3 teenaged boys. She can only provide basic necessities of food and minimal clothing. The boys would like to fit in with their friends by going out to coffee, movies, buy CDs and be able to wear some "cool" clothes like their friends.
Your gift cards could help them purchase:
- Winter clothing (outerwear and warm sweaters)
- groceries
- Sports equipment
- CDs, DVDs, games and other entertainment items
- School supplies
Help Create A Real Difference in someone's life!
Please contact Mindy Khu, Assistant Volunteer Support, at 416 595 9230 ext. 234 or e-mail: mindykh@familyservicetoronto.org to confirm the details or your participation.
