Giving by Robyn Gunn
I’m a firm believer that giving back should be a year round occurrence, but the holidays always raise sentiments in me of lending a hand to my community – both globally and locally. Every Christmas, my girlfriends and I give both gifts and food by way of a Christmas hamper. We contact a community organization, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, a local women’s transition house or the YMCA, and are given a wish list of a family who would otherwise go without gifts or a holiday dinner. From there, we divvy up the list, and then gather together to wrap our items. In the past, we have gone as far as to donate a decorated Christmas tree to our assigned family. Growing up, my family and I volunteered at a homeless shelter, serving turkey on Christmas Day, and donated money to the World Vision holiday fund.
If you’re searching for a charity to donate money to this year – it’s easier than ever – with charities being more accessible on-line. Websites like CanadaHelps.org allow you to give to one of 85,000 charities, all registered with the Canada Revenue Agency. What I like best about this site is that rather than waiting a number of months for a tax receipt to come in the mail, you receive one by e-mail that very same day.
If you would still like to do something this year, but a donation isn’t feasible, you can give back in other ways. Many points programs, for example, including American Express Membership Rewards, Aeroplan and Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum Rewards allow you to donate your points to chosen charities. Or you could consider giving items you no longer use to a worthy cause. You can donate most things from your old eyeglasses (check out lionsclub.org), to furniture to clothing. You could also organize a food drive at your place of work, and donate proceeds to your local food bank. And of course, volunteers are always needed by various non-profit organizations, especially during the holidays. To find an organization in your area, check out www.charity.com.
Donating your dollars, time or items you already own, could help to make the holidays a bit brighter for those who are less fortunate – and after all, that’s what the spirit of the season is really all about.
