Christmas Giving Network

When you give money to a cause, you want to know that your donation is being put to good use. That’s why we have the Christmas Giving Network.

Formed in 2011, the Christmas Giving Network (CGN) consists of Greater Victoria charitable agencies that assist people living with poverty at Christmas time. Through the CGN, we’ve enhanced the coordination of our programs, ensuring that we reach as many people as possible.

Key to this effort is our use of a common application form and shared database system for our Christmas programs, which ensures that we collect the same information from every applicant. This is crucial data that helps us to understand where the greatest need is in our community.

When duplicate applications are received—often from people who are desperate for assistance and worried about being rejected—we’re able to quickly determine which CGN member is in the best position to help. As a result, applicants are more confident that they’ll be served, and duplicate applications have dropped from 22% in 2011 to 5% in 2016.

Together, our organizations are making the best possible use of our limited resources, a necessity in the ongoing fight against poverty.

Member Organizations

The Christmas Giving Network consists of the following organizations. In addition, we work with many smaller groups and churches who operate their own Christmas programs to combat poverty.