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Holiday Wish List a guide for helping Toronto's homeless and vulnerable this holiday season

November 21, 2017

Torontonians who want to help people experiencing homelessness this holiday season have a one-stop place to go for helpful ideas: the 2017 Holiday Wish List.

The City of Toronto surveyed agencies that run shelters, drop-ins and other services, asking them what gifts would bring cheer to their clients during the holidays. Fifty agencies are on this year's list, which details specific items that clients need, along with contacts and information about volunteer opportunities and holiday events.

The most requested items on this year's list are winter clothing, gift cards, toiletries, baby products and non-perishable food.

"These small, everyday items can make a big difference to a person or family in need," said Mayor John Tory. "If you're looking to give back to your community this season, the Holiday Wish List is a good place to start."

Many agencies are also looking for volunteers to help with sorting donations, wrapping gifts and preparing and serving food.

The 2017 Holiday Wish List is available at http://www.toronto.ca/holiday-wish-list.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/dhxH30gJbW8

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. In 2017, Toronto is honouring Canada's 150th birthday with "TO Canada with Love," a year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TorontoComms and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto.

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Media contact: Lizette Costa, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, 416-397-5142, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.