Toy drives, food banks, and other places to donate this Christmas
The holiday season is just as much about giving as it is about receiving. However, for many Canadians the gift-fueled period can be a difficult time. Here are a few ways you can donate to help make the holidays an easier occasion.
Canada Wide
Canadian Blood Services
After completing an online questionnaire, you can book a blood donation date at a clinic near you.
The Salvation Army
Every year, with 2,000 locations across the country, the “Christmas Kettle Campaign” helps support the work done by The Salvation Army during the holiday season and throughout the year. Online kettle donations are also accepted and an e-receipt will be sent.
SickKids Foundation
For kids stuck at the hospital during their holiday break, SickKid’s “Get Better Gifts” campaign helps the children miss home a little less. From the wish list, you can choose to purchase a present or an experience, such as a movie night for teenage patients.
The hospital foundation also has a Holiday Room, for parents and caregivers to pick out a gift most fitting for their child. The deadline for donations to the campaign is Dec. 14.
A monetary donation can be made to The Patient Amenities Fund that helps families in need of financial assistance.
Alberta
Santas Anonymous
Based in Edmonton, Santas Anonymous has brought toys to more than 25,000 families since 1955. Although the deadline for giving this Christmas is Dec. 12 donations are accepted all year round. A list of toy drop off locations can be found here.
The Salvation Army (Angel Trees)
Two “Angel Trees” have been set up this year by The Salvation Army in the Fort McMurray area. Each tree has “angel tags,” listing a child’s age, gender and wish gift item. The tags are taken and the donor can shop for their angel. The deadline for donations this year is Dec. 10.
British Columbia
Positive Living Society of BC
The non-profit that helps those living with HIV/AIDS in their community has a wish list of items as well as a monetary fund that is accepting donations up to Dec. 9 for their holiday campaign.
YWCA Vancouver
Donations to the “Simplify the Season” campaign will provide items for low-income single mothers and children. Items on the wish list include emergency food vouchers, thrift shop gift certificates and infant care essentials.
Nova Scotia
Hope Cottage
The charity provides meals to more than 200 people every day in Halifax for those who cannot afford to feed themselves. They will be hosting a Christmas dinner on Dec. 25. Year-round food donations and volunteers are welcomed.
Ontario
Youth Without Shelter
The “A Home For the Holidays” campaign aims to raise monetary funds that will provide shelter and food for homeless youth. Donors can also purchase from a wish list, for items such as running shoes and winter coats.
Prince Edward Island
CBC’s Feed A Family
The annual drive supports local food banks to feed hungry families during the holidays. A monetary donation or turkey donation will be accepted at these locations. The drive ends on Dec. 16.
Quebec
Community Christmas Hamper Campaign
Donations of canned goods and non-perishable items will wrap up on Dec. 11. Volunteers are also welcomed to get involved to help sort and pack the holiday baskets.
Big Media Food Drive
For the past 16 years, media companies in Quebec have allied together to host a fundraising event that raises funds locally and then allocates them to local non-profit organizations during the holiday season to raise awareness about poverty. Donations can be made here.
Saskatchewan
Creative Kids
The non-profit organization that provides financial support for families so kids can participate in creative activities has a holiday catalogue where donors can give dance lessons for a month or painting supplies.
