On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Vietnamese Women’s Association of Toronto (VWAT Family Services) hosted its 4th Annual Children’s Holiday Party, a cherished tradition that brings newcomer youth together to celebrate the festive season. Despite a busy holiday period, VWAT was fortunate to secure space at the Domenico DiLuca Community Centre (25 Stanley Rd, North York).
The event welcomed nearly 80 children and parents, including 28 permanent residents. VWAT was also supported by an incredible volunteer team, with 20 youth volunteers contributing their time and energy to bring the celebration to life.
A special highlight of this year’s event was the dance showcase by participants of VWAT’s Rhythm and Resilience Program, launched in summer 2025 with funding from the Toronto Urban Health Fund (TUHF) through the City of Toronto. The program supports youth in building emotional and social skills through dance and youth-led activities. Participants spent weeks preparing their performances, making key decisions about music, choreography, and costumes. While many youth initially felt shy, all performers confidently took the stage in front of friends, family, and community members. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dance instructor and youth facilitators who supported the cohort over 20 weeks in preparation for this special event.
Children and families enjoyed a wide range of activities and crafts throughout the afternoon, including writing letters to Santa Claus, holiday colouring pages, ceramic and wooden ornament decorating, scratch art, friendship bracelet making, face painting, balloon animals, and classic games such as Pin the Nose on the Reindeer and antler ring toss. With an abundance of art supplies available, children were free to bring their creativity to life.
Each year, VWAT partners with the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund to deliver holiday gifts to children from low-income families across the GTA. In November 2025, VWAT distributed gifts to more than 200 children, including 70 permanent residents. An additional 50 children received gifts during the event itself, including 20 permanent residents, ensuring that every child could experience the joy of the season.
The celebration was made even more magical with the arrival of Santa Claus, who delighted children with gift boxes sponsored by the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund and plush toys generously donated by GANZ.
The event was honoured by the presence of MPP Tom Rakocevic and City Councillor Anthony Perruzza (Humber River–Black Creek). MPP Rakocevic assisted Santa in distributing gift boxes, while Councillor Perruzza took time to connect with youth as they participated in crafts and activities.
The success of the event would not have been possible without the dedication of VWAT’s volunteers—especially the youth volunteers—who arrived early to decorate, supported activities throughout the afternoon, and stayed late to assist with cleanup. Their teamwork and enthusiasm helped create a truly memorable day for children and families.
“Events like this highlight the power of community—bringing joy to children while giving families a chance to relax and connect during the holidays. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, partners, and sponsors. The smiles of the children inspire us to continue this work,” said Ms. Hoang Binh Minh, President of the Vietnamese Women’s Association of Toronto.
Children left with full bellies, gift boxes and stuffed animals in hand, and handmade ornaments and bracelets to take home. VWAT wishes everyone a safe, joyful, and heartwarming holiday season and looks forward to welcoming families back again next year.
