Baking, Belonging, and the Heart of Christmas at Hope Centre Ministries

At Hope Centre Ministries, baking is so much more than just making cookies—it’s about creating connection, celebrating traditions, and building a sense of belonging. This Christmas, we’re inspired by two community members, Donna and Kayla, whose love for baking represents the heart of our mission: making sure no one is ever left out.

Donna, known for her famous chocolate chip cookies, has long shared her love of baking with friends and volunteers at Community Sundays. For Donna, each batch of cookies she bakes isn’t just about the sweet treat—it’s about creating a space where people feel welcomed and cherished. Her cookies remind us that belonging is something we can build together, one gesture at a time.

But Donna’s story isn’t the only one filled with love and warmth through baking. For Kayla, baking is a special tradition that carries memories of her father. Each Christmas, they would bake cookies together—laughter filling the kitchen, the smell of fresh cookies filling the air. Even though her father has passed, Kayla continues this tradition, sharing the recipe he taught her with her Hope Centre Ministries family. For Kayla, baking cookies is more than just a holiday ritual; it’s a way to feel close to the ones she loves and to share that love with her community.

This Christmas, we want to honour the beautiful connection between Donna’s and Kayla’s stories, both of which are deeply intertwined with the joy of baking and the spirit of belonging. Through the simple act of baking and sharing cookies, they remind us that love, faith, and community are what make Christmas—and every day—meaningful.

However, this year, our usual year-end appeal has faced unexpected challenges due to the Canada Post strike. December is such an important time for Hope Centre Ministries, as we rely on the support of our community to sustain programs like Community Sundays, where friendships are formed and faith flourishes. While some of our holiday mail may be delayed, a group of dedicated volunteers came together to hand-deliver our Christmas mailings (and cookies!) to as many supporters as possible in the Winnipeg area. Although we weren’t able to reach everyone, we’re so grateful for the chance to personally connect with those we could.

And now, we’re asking for your help to ensure that the love and connection Donna and Kayla so generously share with others can continue to grow. Your Christmas gift today is a vital ingredient in creating belonging for everyone in our programs. Without your support, programs like Community Sundays could be at risk.

To say thank you, we’re sharing both Donna and Kayla’s cookie recipes. We hope that, just as these recipes have brought joy and connection to their lives, they’ll do the same for you and your loved ones this season. You can download the recipes below.

Thank you for being part of the Hope Centre Ministries family. Your generosity creates a community where everyone belongs, and for that, we are deeply thankful.