Nine Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season
The pandemic has thrown a wrench in the global economy with charities across Canada facing billions in lost revenue, as well as drastic service disruptions that are affecting millions of individuals and families in need. A recent report by Imagine Canada shows that local charities and non-profits have seen a staggering 35% increase in demand for their services, while 73% have experienced reduced funding.
Every effort and donation to support local charities makes a huge difference, and there’s no better time than the holidays to show your support. As we approach the most festive time of year, we’re excited to make a difference in our community – and set the bar for meaningful, socially-distanced gifts – by showing love to our favourite non-profits. Choose a business from our list, and help us cultivate a merry and bright holiday for people across our country:
Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon
Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon
N° 1 — Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon
RMH’s Virtual Wish List may just have been drafted by Santa himself. Purchase a gift package for kids, teens or parents, and rest assured your money will help families with sick children stay together over the holidays.
N° 2 — One Girl Can
Gift with purpose – and scratch that online shopping itch—by browsing One Girl Can’s holiday gift guide, which spotlights rock-star businesses advocating for gender equality.
N° 3 — Make a donation to Arts Umbrella
Canada’s leading non-profit youth arts educator, where creative expression is fostered in more than 24,000 young people each year. Thanks to strong community support, nearly 81% of budding artists access programs through bursaries, scholarships, and donor-funded programs.
N° 4 — WIRTH Hats
Score a sick hat or toque from this Vancouver-born company. Each addition to your shopping cart supports counselling for people who can’t afford it.
N° 5 — Trees of Joy
Participate in Make-A-Wish Canada’s Trees of Joy fundraiser, which tasks social bubbles with raising money to grant a little cherub’s wish.
N° 6 — Native Women’s Association of Canada
Donate to the Native Women’s Association of Canada, which was founded to promote and foster the social, economic, cultural and political wellbeing of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women across the country.
N° 7 — Help Hospitality Workers
Helping hospitality workers is as easy as adding a drink to your dinner. Until December 31, partial proceeds of sales of select wine, cider, beer and whisky will be donated to the BC Hospitality Foundation and Food Banks BC. Bottoms up!
N° 8 — Hogan’s Alley Society
Make a donation to this organization and become a champion for Black Vancouverites who have endured erasure from the historical narrative – because all voices need to be heard.
N° 9 — Supply food, children’s books or toiletries
The Ray-Cam Co-operative Centre and make a significant difference in the lives of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside residents.
