VICTORIA — Donna has a short Christmas wish list. She wants a pair of socks for herself and two Superstore gift cards, one for each son.
The 54-year-old Vancouver Island woman, beaten by her parents, raped by a family friend at four years old, addicted, said she's been clean and sober since August and she wants something for her sons who have not spoken to her for six years.
Jean has a slightly longer wish list. He wants a bus pass, note pad and a bicycle for Christmas.
He is 33, and spent much of his youth living in foster care in Victoria. He was told he would end up a criminal but works in a Victoria thrift store.
Donna and Jean, whose last names aren't disclosed, are among the more than 9,000 people who live in poverty in the Victoria area and receive services at shelters and other community facilities.
Both people may be among about 100 who will gather Saturday for a cup of tea and gift exchange at the Victoria Cool Aid Society's Rock Bay Landing shelter. Religious leaders from several faiths and homeless people from the Victoria area will share gifts and stories at the high tea event.
"In a very small way we are able to make a little bit of a difference in the lives of these people," said Karima Ramji, a member of Victoria's Ismaili Muslim community. "I have read all their stories and I thought these people are really making an effort to improve their lot in life."
Also attending the high tea will be Bishop Gary Gordon, of the Catholic Diocese of Victoria, and Rabbi Harry Brechner, of the congregation Emanu-El-Synagogue.
The non-profit, volunteer-run Homeless Partners organization started its Christmas Wish List program 10 years ago in Vancouver and has since branched out to include eight cities in B.C. and Winnipeg. Volunteers go into shelters and interview the homeless, then post their Christmas wishes online.
The high tea in Victoria aims to give people the opportunity to meet those they have pledged gifts to in a safe and friendly environment.
The personal stories of the homeless people and their Christmas wishes can be read at www.homelesspartners.com. The site also includes access for those who want fulfil a wish for the homeless.
Last Christmas, there were 300 gift requests from more than 100 people in Victoria's homeless shelters. Each person received at least one gift.
"With everything that's going on (in the world), there's so much need for understanding, understanding of other people. Who are we?" said Ramji. "This is just one small event where we can start that conversation."
The Victoria Cool Aid Society creates opportunities for people who are homeless or living in poverty. Founded in 1968, Cool Aid helps more than 9,000 people in the Victoria area at 14 locations.
Cool Aid spokesman Alan Rycroft said it's touching and heart-breaking to read that many of the gift wishes made by the homeless people are for practical items for themselves, such as shoes or pants, or for gifts to give to loved ones.
"It does make a difference for people at a difficult time of year," he said. "It speaks of love to them and it's very uplifting."
