Christmas Program - Families
How It Works For Families
Step 1: Sign Up
Fill out the form and complete every question. Please only submit one (1) form per family, NOT per child.
You will be required to submit proof of income and guardianship of the children. Depending on your source of income, the documentation required will vary.
Who Qualifies?
Low-income families in London, with children in their custody. Children are only sponsored one time, at the home of the custodial parent/guardian.
If you are currently on Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), you qualify for this program.
If you are not on OW or ODSP, you must be under the Low-Income Cut-off. In the City of London, the Low-Income Cut-off (LICO) annual income amounts are:
| Number of People | Maximum Annual Amount |
|---|---|
| 2 People | $26,667 |
| 3 People | $33,207 |
| 4 People | $41,428 |
| 5 People | $47,174 |
| 6 People | $52,317 |
| 7 People or More | $57,460 |
The LICO is determined through Statistics Canada, Table11-10-0241, which is found here.
Step 2: Keep An Eye On Your Email
After you have submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming that we have received your application. If your application has been accepted, this will be the only email we will send you until we start delivering gifts in early December.
We will only contact you if there is a problem with your application. Otherwise, we will notify you when the delivery is scheduled.
If you did not attach the required document, then you are not registered. Usually, if an application has been denied, it is for one or more of the following reasons:
You do not meet the government’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) criteria, which you can view here on the Federal government’s website (make sure the table is set to after taxes).
You did not provide the correct document with your application (double-check that these documents are from the most recent year), or we were unable to read the documents.
You do not live in London.
If you have questions or concerns about your confirmation, please contact us by email (christmas@lifespin.org).
Step 3: Delivery
Beginning in November, our volunteer delivery drivers will be delivering to up to 100 families every day, which is an intense coordination of delivery routes. This requires your full cooperation, ensuring someone will be home to receive your gifts, if you registered.
You will receive an email about your family’s gifts, either the morning of the day your gifts will be dropped off, or the day before they will be delivered.
If somebody does not answer the door, we will not drop off your gifts. We will try again on another date. It does not matter who answers the door, as long as somebody does. If you know that you may not be able to have someone answer the door for you, please leave the address of a neighbour you trust, that can answer the door during the day.
If you live in an apartment building, and did not provide a buzzer number, the delivery driver will not be able to contact you when they arrive.
Step 4: Send a Thank-You Note
We ask that families that receive gifts from our Christmas Program write a thank-you note to their sponsors. The note can be any length, and can be a drawing, store-bought card, or even a handwritten note. Please add your family number to your thank-you note, so we can send it to your sponsor. You can give your thank-you card to the delivery drivers, drop off the card at the office, or mail the thank-you notes to LIFE*SPIN.
Please sign your thank-you card with only the first names in your family, along with your family number.
This is not a government program. It is kind and thoughtful people, who want to make sure your child receives a gift from Santa, even if your family is struggling to get by. Please take the time to say thank you, as the sponsor has taken the time to contribute to your child’s joy.
LIFE*SPIN, P.O. Box 2801, London, ON N6A 4H4.
Hear From Our Past Clients
“5 years ago we lost our house to a fire. Everything was gone and we had lost hope. When we landed paths with LIFE*SPIN we encountered an amazing experience that we are incredibly thankful for. The kind and friendly ladies of LIFE*SPIN went above and beyond to make sure that my children, husband, and I all had an amazing Christmas.”
- Katarina
“Two years ago I was in a difficult financial position. I was very scared I wouldn’t be able to give my children a Christmas morning. It breaks my heart to think that my children might have had to miss out on something so special. Thanks to the Christmas program my two boys got to have a gift and the most wonderful day. We smiled, laughed and played with their new toys. We had unforgettable memories made for us that Christmas. I really truly appreciate the help!”
- Shannon T.
“For the past two years my son on Christmas morning has woken up happy and excited. That means more than anything to me. I am very appreciative.”
- Breanna
How Much of My Personal Information Will My Sponsor Receive?
The Sponsor that gets matched to your family will only receive information about how many children are in the family, as well as each of your child(ren)’s:
Name (please write your child(ren)’s first name only when applying)
Age
Gender
Up to 2 Items they would like for Christmas, under $50 each
Your Sponsor will NOT receive any information about your name, address, Social Assistance programs you’re enrolled in, or other items that we ask from Clients that sign up for the Christmas Program.