The Gifts For Kids initiative, led by Surrey resident Jenny Huynh, brought joy to hundreds of families in need across the Lower Mainland, BC, this Christmas season. With the help of dedicated volunteers, the grassroots effort delivered bags of beautifully wrapped gifts to families who might not have received any otherwise. This year marked the most successful season for Gifts For Kids since its launch in 2018.
Jenny Huynh, founder of the initiative and a health unit coordinator at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody, reflected on the overwhelming gratitude she has witnessed over the years. Some families have expressed their thanks through tears, while others have joined as volunteers to help wrap and deliver gifts. Since its beginnings just before the pandemic, the initiative has grown steadily each year.
Huynh’s efforts began in 2018 with support from her parents, extended family and friends. What started as a small project helping 32 families grew rapidly, supporting over 250 families the following year. This season, the local charity supported families across the Lower Mainland, BC. “I never expected it to become this big,” said Huynh. “My family and I are just passionate about making sure every child has something to open on Christmas morning. Our motto is simple: every child deserves a gift, even if it is small. We want every child to have at least one present under the tree from Santa.”
This year, 15 volunteers helped with wrapping, while 17 drivers delivered gifts across the region. Even Eagle Ridge Hospital contributed by donating items to a small collection box set up by Huynh. Although she hopes to register Gifts For Kids as an official charity in the future, Huynh cherishes its community-focused roots and the involvement of her family and close friends.
Looking ahead, Huynh is already planning for Christmas 2025. She has begun searching for post-holiday sales on toys and exploring options for purchasing bulk gifts overseas to ship to Vancouver affordably. For those who want to get involved, Huynh encourages them to reach out via her social media to learn how they can help next Christmas.
