Christmas Bureau
Program Objective
Statistics reported in Housing Needs Assessment Report for City of Mission (Dec 2025) indicate that-
- 1 in 6 residents in Mission were living below the low‑income cut‑off (LICO) after tax in 2021.
- 1 in 4 families in Mission are living on less than a modest standard of income (MICO)
- Most people in the range between LICO & MICO experience working poverty/vulnerability. They are employed, do not qualify for social supports; are highly sensitive to rent, food, and childcare costs.
- Over one-third of economically vulnerable children are invisible in official poverty counts because they live between LICO and MICO.
MCSS Christmas Bureau is committed to ensuring a joyous holiday season for all Mission residents regardless of their financial circumstances. We understand the importance of creating cherished memories during this time of year, especially for families facing financial challenges. Our goal is to provide essential holiday assistance that includes toys and gifts for children and grocery supplies so families are able to enjoy those memory making holiday meals together.Â
1044
Children
455
Families Received
500+
Grocery Hampers
1390
Individuals
Online registrations open at 12 noon on September 15th 2026
This year, we are expanding eligibility to include Mission residents with incomes up to the Modest Income Cut-Off (MICO). Due to high demand, program capacity is limited. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date a completed application is received. Priority will be given to online applications. To help ensure timely processing, we strongly encourage applicants to apply online or work with program staff to complete their application.
Online Registration Schedule: September 15th, 12 noon to November 10th 2026, 12 noon
In-Person Registration Schedule: Wednesdays only between Oct 14 to Nov 4th; 10 am to 2pm at MCSS Main Office 33179 2nd Ave. In- Person Service Dates: Oct 14, Oct 21, Oct 28, Nov 4.
Application Review: Applications will be reviewed starting October 15th and our team will contact you as soon as your application is approved. Please make sure to check your Spam/Junk folders on a weekly basis after October 20th for an appointment booking link. If you do not have an email address or phone number, please make sure to check in with our team every 5 to 7 business days after November 15th at Main Office on 33179 2nd Ave, Mission.
Toy and Food Pickup: By appointment only between Dec 1st to Dec 18th; 9:30 am to 4:15 pm; location TBD
Give Support
A. As an individual or group
- Volunteer at the Christmas Bureau. Click here to apply.
- Run a food/toy drive in your neighbourhood. You can also consider contacting your (or family member’s) place of employment, school, daycare, place of worship etc. for a food/toy drive.
- Make a financial contribution. Click here to donate
- Follow us on Social Media and spread the word about MCSS Christmas Bureau
B. As a business
- Collect donations at till or host a food/toy drive at your establishment.
- Tree/Garland Tags: We will provide ornaments with a wishlist for your customers. Customers take an ornament and go buy the items listed then return the new unwrapped items to one of our drop off locations.
- Volunteer at the Christmas Bureau. Click here to apply.
- Make a financial contribution. Click here to donate
- Sponsor a Christmas Bureau Activity: Christmas Bureau relies on donations from the Community to operate. Help fund specific activities, events, or programs organized by the Christmas Bureau that enable us to enhance the experience for participants and volunteers. All sponsors are recognized through our website, annual report and social media posts. You can choose to sponsor the following agency requirements:.
- Click here for the 2026 Sponsorship Package
- Follow us on Social Media and spread the word about MCSS Christmas Bureau.
Get Support
Eligibility & Access
- For food hampers: Mission residents at LICO up to MICO
- For toys and gifts: Families with dependent minors (newborn to 18 yrs). Youth completing 19 years in 2026 will not qualify.
- Proof of Income and Valid Govt-Issued ID required for all members of the household
What is LICO & MICO
- LICO: Low-Income Cut-Off
- MICO: Modest Income Cut-Off
| Family Size | 2026 LICO | 2026 MICO |
| 1 person | $30,526 | $39,684 |
| 2 persons | $38,003 | $49,404 |
| 3 persons | $46,720 | $60,736 |
| 4 persons | $56,724 | $73,741 |
| 5 persons | $64,336 | $83,637 |
| 6 persons | $72,560 | $94,328 |
| 7+ persons | $80,785 | $105,021 |
Registration Process
Documents required:
Proof of income: of all adults in the household. Please include bank statements/pay stubs for 3 months (between June to October 2026)/ 2025 Notice of assessment/proof of income assistance.
Photo Identification: Valid government issued Photo ID of applicant and spouse/common law partner (as applicable).
Birth Certificate or BC Medical Card of the dependents.
Registration Schedule:
Online registration runs September 15th, 12 noon to November 10th 2026, 12 noon​
In-person registration will be held Wednesdays only between Oct 14 to Nov 4th; 10 am to 2pm at MCSS Main Office 33179 2nd Ave. In- Person Service Dates: Oct 14, Oct 21, Oct 28, Nov 4.
Application Review: All applications are processed in order of completion. Applications will be reviewed starting October 15th and our team will contact you as soon as your application is approved. Please make sure to check your Spam/Junk folders on a weekly basis after October 20th for an appointment booking link. If you do not have an email address or phone number, please make sure to check in with our team every 5 to 7 business days after November 15th at Main Office on 33179 2nd Ave, Mission.
Pickup Schedule: By appointment only between Dec 1st to Dec 18th; 9:30 am to 4:15 pm; location TBD
Photo ID of the registered contact person is required at the time of pickup.
Please Note:
Due to high demand, capacity limitations and application cut-offs will apply.
Our team will review your application for eligibility. Filling out the application DOES NOT automatically qualify you for the Christmas Bureau. A staff member will contact you if we need additional information.
Priority will be given to online registrations. If you have absolutely no internet access or you are having difficulty completing the online application – there will be an in-person option Wednesdays only between Oct 14 to Nov 4th; 10 am to 2pm at MCSS Main Office 33179 2nd Ave. In- Person Service Dates: Oct 14, Oct 21, Oct 28, Nov 4.Â
Call (604) 826-3634 or email [email protected]
All applications are processed in order of completion. Applications will be reviewed starting October 15th and our team will contact you as soon as your application is approved. Please make sure to check your Spam/Junk folders on a weekly basis after October 20th for an appointment booking link. If you do not have an email address or phone number, please make sure to check in with our team every 5 to 7 business days after November 15th.
Please ensure you are ONLY adding dependent children who are in your care. Due to resource limitations, we are not able to sponsor grandchildren.
Thank you to our Generous Supporters from 2025
Christmas Bureau relies on donations from the community to operate and provide ongoing services to the community of Mission. Mission Community Services Society would like to thank the many individuals and organizations for their generous donations that enable us to extend essential holiday assistance to Mission residents in need. Surplus donations from Christmas Bureau are distributed to the community through Nourish Mission throughout the year.
