2021 Holiday Project
A set of five genuine holiday cards designed by youth experiencing homelessness.
Our 14th Community Project was created by youth at oneROOF Youth Services, a charity that supports and serves youth experiencing homelessness in our community.
Note: Any photos of youth used in this project are stock photos and not of the actual youth who participated.
An Important Perspective
When we think of the holiday season, we think of warm beverages, exchanging gifts, and spending time with those we love. But, the reality is that this time of year isn’t as picture perfect for everyone.
At best, the holidays are just another day for youth experiencing homelessness. But more likely, the holidays can bring back memories of trauma, family they can’t see, or unhealthy situations they had to leave.
We chatted with youth at oneROOF Youth Services to share an important perspective this holiday season.
“I genuinely feel like I’m a strong person. A lot of people if they were in my shoes, they couldn’t handle the pressure and what I’ve been through. I’ve dealt with a lot and I’m still persevering.”
A Message of Resilience
With the support of oneROOF Youth Services, we asked participating youth about their memories of the holidays, their feelings towards this upcoming holiday season, and any advice they wanted to share with our community.
Instead of focusing on what they didn’t have this year, they shared with us messages of hopefulness, strength, and perseverance. After the first conversations, we brought in a local illustrator to draw our holiday cards using their messages and sketches as the foundation.
Each of our five cards this year share a message of resilience this holiday season.
“I think of my family and how much I miss them. I want to spend Christmas with them, so I’m hopeful. It’s hard to think of anything else other than spending Christmas time together.”
Every Card Purchase Supports Youth
When you purchase a set of holiday cards from us, proceeds from every sale directly support youth experiencing homelessness towards their goals.
For every dollar you spend on our cards, 50% will cover the cost of the card, 25% will cover our artist and company expenses, and 25% goes directly to the youth. Additionally, every youth was paid fairly for their time.
Lastly, The Community Company is a Certified B Corporation, one of only 150 in Ontario. This means we’re committed to using social business as a vehicle to create social change, and our entire business model and financial statements have been independently audited.
Our Five Holiday Cards
Every card is high-quality, designed locally, and empowers youth living in our community.
Power Holiday Card
Designed by a youth experiencing homelessness in our community.
"The fist represents perseverance and pushing through. Persistence prevails when all else fails. Free yourself from whatever's holding you back because this isn't the end. It's just a small part of your life, so just keep going."
“For me, I’m just trying to get through it. When you don’t have a home to stay, it’s a situation that you just want to get out of. That’s all that’s on my mind right now.”
Snowstorm Holiday Card
Designed by a youth experiencing homelessness in our community.
"There may be a storm, but you can push through the snowstorm. When your back is against the wall, all you have is your hope, your resilience, and your strength. And sometimes, that's all you need to get out."
“Especially being homeless now, it’s so painful to walk in the wind and the snow. Back when I was a kid, I loved it because I never really had to go through it because you’d look out your window. But now, actually having to be outside though, I hate it.”
Fireplace Holiday Card
Designed by a youth experiencing homelessness in our community.
"I'm excited to go home. I want to spend Christmas with my family, so I'm hopeful. Christmas is not really about the gifts, it's about getting together and being with family. Remember to not take family for granted."
“This is my dream of Christmas. The euphoria of being home. That would mean the world to me because my family will be there. That’s everyone I love in the same space, and we get to express care for each other all day.”
Toys Holiday Card
Designed by a youth experiencing homelessness in our community.
"There are kids around the world who don't have the same experiences that we do. They're not as fortunate as us and some even make the toys we gift, so remember to be thankful this holiday season."
“I want to be an activist. I can’t make people care, but I just want to make people aware. It only takes one person to make a difference. I want to raise awareness and I want to be an activist.”
Hopeful Holiday Card
Designed by a youth experiencing homelessness in our community.
“I just want to motivate people, that’s what I want to do with my life.”
“Never feel hopeless. If you feel left out or alone, there's people out there who want to help you. Sad times go away. Everything is going to be okay at the end. If it's not okay, then it's not the end."
This is more than just a holiday card
Beyond the dollars earned, every card purchase is a vote of confidence for the youth who participated in this project. It proves that people hear them, see them, and value the message that they want to share.
Our goal for this project is to show the youth experiencing homelessness that they are capable of contributing meaningfully to our community. We hope that this project is a source of light for them during this difficult part of their life, and encourages them to keep pushing through the snowstorm.
The Community Company exists to inspire our community through meaningful social projects, and to provide a simple and effective way for community members like you to make a real impact on the lives of others.
Become a Changemaker
There are four ways you can support our 2021 Holiday Card Project.
Purchase a set of Cards Today
A set of five cards are $22.00 and can include one of each design or your own custom mix of five.
Local delivery options available at checkout for postal codes in Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge!
2021 Holiday Cards
$22.00 for a set of 5 holiday cards.
About the Cards:
The premium 5x7 inch holiday cards have a gloss finish and were designed by a local artist and professionally printed. Every holiday card also includes a festive card envelope.
Empowerment:
For every dollar you spend on our cards, 50% will cover the cost of the card, 25% will cover our artist and company expenses, and 25% goes directly to the youth. Additionally, every youth was paid fairly for their time.
Social Benefit:
In addition to the dollars earned, every holiday card sale is a vote of confidence and validates our youth’s experience with the holiday season.
2021 Holiday Card Set
CA$22.00
Looking for bulk holiday cards?
Purchase holiday cards in bulk to share with loved ones or for your organization. These cards make the perfect thank you gift.
Bulk Holiday Cards
Our holiday cards retail for $5.00 each. Order 10 to 200 holiday cards for your thank you gifts! Our cards are always in stock.
Discounts:
At 10 cards, you can save 20% off our regular price. At 50 cards, you can save 35% off our regular price. And at 100+ cards, you can save 40% off!
Empowerment:
Every Creator is paid for their time for co-designing the holiday cards. Additionally, Creators earn 25% from every holiday card sale, including bulk sales. In addition to the dollars earned, every holiday card sale is a vote of confidence and validates our youth’s experience with the holiday season.
For your Organization:
If you are looking to order more than 200 cards, or a custom message on our cards, please send us an email at info@communitycompany.org.
*Free express shipping on all orders $75+ before tax.
Purchase your Favourite Cards
Holiday cards are $5.00 each and include a festive envelope with every card.
About the Partnership
oneROOF Youth Services
We reached out to oneROOF Youth Services to partner with us this holiday season because we believe in their vision. Through our past project work, we’ve heard nothing but incredible things about this organization and the difference they make in our community.
oneROOF Youth Services is committed to providing for the safety, support and overall well-being of youth who are experiencing homelessness, and youth who are at-risk of homelessness, aged 12-25, in Waterloo Region. Click the button below to learn more about their work!
The Community Company
The Community Company exists to inspire our community through meaningful social projects, and to provide a simple and effective way for community members like you to make a real impact on the lives of others.
In 2021, we passed a one year assessment to become a Certified B Corporation to further our commitment to creating social change. We’re one of 150 Certified B Corporations in Ontario.
In order to qualify as a B Corporation, an organization must have a cumulative score of 80 in Governance, Community, Environment and Accountability. We scored 124 points, which ranks us as one of the highest scoring organizations in Canada.