This Advent, Annunciation is sponsoring families in need! Our goal is to share the love of Christ with each and give generously of our own blessings. This year, we are supporting families from 4 local schools and from our community.

We are very grateful for the generosity of our parishioners in past years!  This is a beautiful way to serve others in our community during this special time of year when many have difficulty providing for their families.   

There are three ways to get involved:

1. Pray for the families who will receive Christmas hampers. We encourage you to select a specific way to pray: a rosary, a daily chaplet, a novena, or simply regular daily prayer for them.

2. Donate Walmart gift cards. Gift cards should be $30 and can be dropped off at the parish office throughout the coming weeks. Walmart gift cards allow families purchase gifts for their children.  

3. Sponsor a hamper. Put together a beautiful Christmas dinner hamper and deliver it to a family in need! 

The cost per hamper ranges from $75-$150, depending on family size. To see a shopping list and sign up, keep scrolling.

Why do sponsors deliver the hampers personally? 

By delivering the hamper to your family, you have a chance to look them in the eyes, shake their hand warmly, and wish them a Merry Christmas. We don’t know their situations or backgrounds, but we do know they are loved by Christ. Delivering the hamper lets them know they’re not a checkbox on our “do good things” list; they’re a part of our community, and we want to take the time to meet them. 

What if I’m nervous about delivering the hamper?

It can take a bit of extra courage to step out of a comfort zone like this. What if it’s awkward? What if you don’t know what to say?

Honestly? It might be awkward. It might be outside your comfort zone, and it’s definitely less convenient. And that’s okay! Christ calls us to go beyond the easy and comfortable, meeting others in their need. 

Sign up to give a hamper!

To sign up for a hamper, please fill in the form below. You are welcome to team up with friends or family to put together your hamper.

Once registered, our team will contact you to confirm your hamper and provide information about your sponsor family and their preferences. You are responsible for purchasing the food items for the hamper (except for the meat) and contacting the family to arrange delivery.

The meat (either turkey, ham, or fish) will be provided by the parish, and each family has been contacted to confirm their preference. The meat will be available for pick up on December 19th at the parish between 10 and 11am.   

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact outreach@annuncation-ottawa.com

Suggestions for hamper items:


SMALL HAMPER FOR FAMILY OF 1 TO 2 PEOPLE  

  • 14 oz can of Green Peas or Green/Yellow Beans  
  • Can of Cranberries  
  • Box(es) of Stuffing  
  • Can of Hot Chocolate or Coffee or Tea  
  • Cookies or Other Dessert  
  • 1 lb of Butter  
  • 2 lb bag of Carrots  
  • 5 lb bag of Potatoes  
  • 2 lb bag of Onions  
  • Loaf of Bread  
  • 1 litre of 2% Milk  
  • Bag of Fresh Oranges or Bag of Fresh Apples or Box of Clementines  


MEDIUM HAMPER FOR FAMILY OF 3 TO 5 PEOPLE  

  • 2x 14 oz Can of Green Peas or Green/Yellow Beans  
  • Can of Cranberries  
  • Box(es) of Stuffing  
  • Can of Hot Chocolate or Coffee or Tea  
  • Cookies OR Other Dessert  
  • 1 lb of Butter  
  • 2 lb bag of Carrots  
  • 5 lb bag of Potatoes  
  • 2 lb bag of Onions  
  • Loaf of Bread  
  • 1 litre of 2% Milk  
  • Bag of Fresh Oranges or Bag of Fresh Apples or Box of Clementines  
  • Foil Turkey Roasting Pan 


 LARGE HAMPER FOR FAMILY 6 OR MORE PEOPLE  

  • 2x 14 oz Can of Green Peas or Green/Yellow Beans  
  • Can of Cranberries  
  • Box(es) of Stuffing  
  • Can of Hot Chocolate or Coffee or Tea  
  • Cookies or Other Dessert  
  • 1 lb of Butter  
  • 2 lb bag of Carrots  
  • 5 lb bag of Potatoes  
  • 2 lb bag of Onions  
  • 2 Loaves of Bread  
  • 2 litres of 2% Milk