About Guelph's Holiday Angels

What is our Program in Guelph all about?

The Guelph's Holiday Angel Program will match donors with individuals in need of gifts in order to make this holiday season a bit more joyful. This is a heartwarming program for our vulnerable population who may be alone for many different reasons during the holiday season, or who simply cannot afford a gift for themselves. Vulnerable recipients include seniors, newcomers to Canada who are facing multiple challenges, individuals in need of housing support or living with an underlying mental health illness and families in need. This year, the Guelph Holiday Angels are overjoyed to be partnering with community organizations who help to ensure these individuals feel special and cared for during these challenging times.

About Us

We've brought together two very active and highly motivated Guelph community members who are passionate about filling gaps within our community when it comes to the holidays. We have just under a month before Christmas and we are ready to spread some holiday cheer this season within our community!

Rebecca McKinlay
Founder

Rebecca, a native of Guelph, is deeply rooted in the community. As a dedicated soccer mom of two twin boys, she understands the importance of safe and inclusive play spaces. This understanding has driven her to dedicate her time and work to building inclusive community spaces that reflect the unique needs, cultures, and strengths of Guelph and surrounding communities.

"A Christmas program like the Guelph Holiday Angels brings together volunteers, businesses and the Guelph community. When our community works together, we can bridge the gaps, promote awareness of emerging needs, and build stronger and healthier communities."

Kyla Rowntree
Founder

Kyla, born and raised in Guelph, and energetic mother of three girls, prides herself in being involved in the community and is very passionate about helping make a difference each and every day. She is one of those Christmas crazy people that understands the meaning behind the holiday and she doesn’t believe anyone should ever wake up on Christmas morning without a gift or without feeling the magic of the holiday season.

"This type of program brings the Guelph community together on the premise of kindness and it goes such a long way...more than ever right now. Giving my time to these rewarding endeavours, brings a lot of meaning and value to me personally and I describe this as a true labour of love."

Our Beautiful Baskets (We Source Local)

"Founded in 2020, one of our utmost priorities was, and continues to be, having the option of giving a gift, shopping local and keeping everyone safe from COVID-19. That's why we chose a local staple Guelph business - Creative Edge to prepare all of our baskets that will be delivered," said Co-founder, Kyla Rowntree.

"Heather Grummett, owner of Creative Edge, has been in downtown Guelph for 25 years. She personally curates and prepares the baskets. She's the best basket maker in Guelph and she's helping us with our program! We have facilitated having one point of contact preparing the basket and one person delivering the basket to the respective owner resulting in reduced touchpoints."

This Program is Powered by Passionate Volunteers in the Guelph Community
Email Us: Guelphsholidayangels@hotmail.com