‘Christmas is supposed to be a happy time, and Christmas, this year, is a very sad time,’ says transitional housing resident Patty McIvor

Patty McIvor’s eyes well with tears as she talks about being unable to spend Christmas with her daughter and three-year-old grandson for the first time this year.

“He's so into Christmas this year. I wanted to leave the cookies out for Santa with him, the carrots for the reindeer. I wanted to do it all up for him,” says Patty.  “I just wanted to be there."

Christmas is particularly isolating for many residents at Phoenix Society this year. COVID-19 protocols mean our residents don't have as much freedom come and go - and this limits the ability to see family and go home for the holidays.

COVID-19 has also meant we've seen a shortfall in donations to help spread holiday cheer amongst our residents by providing them with presents. We still want to provide an enjoyable holiday season for our many residents and clients by supporting them with gifts that could include books, clothes, gift cards and other essential items.

That's why we need your support to help lift spirits this holiday season among our 237 residents in recovery as well as other service users.

Your generous contribution will help residents gain a little bit of hope and optimism.

“I feel lonely a lot,” says Patty, of being in transitional housing amid the global pandemic. "I do feel isolated in the sense that we can’t go anywhere, basically. It’s medical or necessities only. It’s cut me off from my family. I can’t see my daughter and my grandson, and I’m so close to him. I’ve been with him since birth. 

“It’s been really hard. I’ve been trying to fill the void by staying busy. Christmas is supposed to be a happy time, and Christmas, this year, is a very sad time."

Patty has been sober for more than a year, after being born into addiction and spending time in the foster care system where she found herself in 33 homes in just 10 years.

"Phoenix has been a blessing for me," she says. "This is my sanctuary."

ABOUT PHOENIX SOCIETY

Phoenix began in 1989, in response to the growing number of people in the community whose needs were not being met by the existing systems of care and social infrastructure. In 2020 alone, Phoenix provided services to over 2,000 individuals through our substance use treatment, employment, transitional housing, shelter, and outreach programs.   

At Phoenix Society, we promote a healthy, vibrant community free of substance misuse, as well as assisting individuals with housing and basic needs.