Two moving trucks filled Christmas hampers made their way to the Sonshine Centre this past week, as employees from ConocoPhillips stopped in to deliver Christmas cheer to women and children impacted by domestic violence.
All 24 families residing at the Sonshine Centre were “adopted” by groups of ConocoPhillips employees, who came together to raise approximately $44,000 to purchase gifts, food and other essentials for Sonshine residents. “We greatly admire the passion ConocoPhillips and its employees demonstrate for our cause,” says Sonshine’s Volunteer Coordinator Terry-Mae Hepburn. “Their commitment to care so generously for our clients, particularly in a time of recession, is very inspiring.”
Many of these employees even forfeited gifts to family and friends in order to ensure that none of the families at Sonshine went without this Christmas. “What ConocoPhillips has done is more than provide gifts and much needed food, says Joy Johnson, Sonshine Executive Director. “They have told these families that they care about them and are willing to make a personal sacrifice for them…that is what Christmas is all about.”
The Sonshine Centre is a one-year residential and counselling program for women and children fleeing domestic violence. The Centre operates one-third of Calgary’s long-term shelter capacity for this vulnerable population, and is funded primarily by donations from community supporters. For more information or to support Sonshine, visit sonshine.ab.ca or call 403.705.3485