Need help?

All applicants must be eligible for services based on the folllowing criteria below:

1. Applicants must be a resident of the City of Edmonton. For those residing outside the corporate limits of Edmonton, please visit 211.ca for assistance in your region.
2. Combined household income is taken into consideration.
3. Only those permanently residing in the household are eligible for assistance. Visiting family/friends are not eligible.
4. Valid identification is required for everyone on the application.
5. Those residing in a designated facility (e.g.: nursing home, group home, shelter) or in a residence where meals are provided are not eligible for assistance from the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton.

1. Apply once only! Multiple applications from the same household will result in a delay in processing the application.
2. Apply through an agency you are already associated with - If you are already associated with one of several social service agencies in Edmonton, you can apply through an approved screening agency (click for agency list) that will assist you with the application process.
3. Online directly at christmasservices.ca. You will need to upload all requested documentation before you can submit your application. Be sure to carefully read the instructions and have ready, in PDF format, the necessary documents to upload with your application. If you are missing documents, you will not be able to submit your online application.
4. Apply by phone - Phone lines will be open October 14, 2025 hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. If you apply by calling Intake Phone Line – 780.414.7695 - you will still be required to submit the necessary documents to finalize your application. An Intake Worker will assist you and explain what is required.

As a community, we work together to provide Christmas assistance to as many people as possible. These Christmas programs use the same screening process as the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton to ensure consistency in application.

• Bethel United Church
• Beulah Alliance Church
• Holiday Hamper
• Sacred Heart Church of the First People
• Salvation Army

The Christmas Bureau of Edmonton programs are intended to provide support to families, individuals and seniors in need who otherwise would not receive a festive meal or gifts for their children and teens. Our programs are not intended to be a doubling up or topping up of Christmas services already provided. Our programs are funded through community donations and are not governed by or an extension of any government programs.

Our objective, along with these agencies, is to be able to assist ten families once, rather than one family ten times.

After your application has been submitted: 

1. A CBE Intake Worker may call to verify the information provided.
2. Applications must be received no later than December 5, 2025, to be eligible for delivery of Christmas services.
3. Applications received after December 5, 2025 services may be delayed.
4. Apply once! Applying in multiple avenues may delay the application process as files are being verified.
5. You do not need to send in documents unless the intake worker has requested them.
6. Once the Intake team has requested your documents, please ensure you are submitting copies of the required documentation after you have submitted your application. Please do not send originals as they will not be returned.
7. All documents will be used only for the determination of Christmas assistance and will be destroyed upon completion of services for 2025

Household Income documentation

• Please provide information regarding your COMBINED household income. (Example: Pay Stubs, E.I, W.C.B, Alberta Supports, A.I.S.H)

Proof of Edmonton residency documentation

• Please provide proof of Edmonton residency. (Example: Utility bill; Lease Agreement (Page 1) 

ID for all individuals on the application form

• Please include an ID with birth dates for everyone on the application. (Example: Alberta Health Care card; Birth Certificate, School ID)