The holidays are a time of year when you can take a step back and really appreciate everything you have. Its a time to spend with your loved ones, but also an opportunity to give back — âtis the season for giving, right? Being able to give back to those less fortunate, or to volunteer your time, is truly what the magic of the holidays is all about.
Recent events remind us all too well of the need to give back. Whether it is to come in aid to communities destroyed by natural disasters and tragic events, or donating canned food to your local food bank — there are endless ways in which you can give back and really make a difference. This holiday season give the gift of hope, help and compassion to someone who needs it most!
Here are 3 different ways you can give back this holiday season:
- Donate to an International Organization: The Canadian Red Cross
Chances are you are already familiar with the work of the Red Cross, as it is the worldâs largest international humanitarian organization. Donating to your national branch of the Red Cross is a great way not only to help those in need in your community, but also to give back to the larger international community. On their website, the Canadian Red Cross provides you with a list of different causes and you can choose where you want your money to go. Whether it is helping recent victims of Hurricane Sandy rebuild their communities, or donating to the Middle East and North Africa Crisis — donations to the Canadian Red Cross will make a difference in the lives of those most in need and give the gift of hope this holiday season.
Check out the Canadian Red Crossâs website for instructions on how to donate online, and a full list of current donations appeal: http://www.redcross.ca/donate.asp
You can also follow this link to become a monthly donor: http://www.redcross.ca/monthlygift.asp
- Donate to your local food bank: Moisson Montreal
Donating non-perishable food and canned goods to your local food bank is a great way of to give back this holiday season. Having food at every meal is definitely something we all take for granted, especially during the holidays. Drop off some canned foods at one of their food drives before you take off for the holidays, and your donations will truly make a difference to someone in your community. Moisson Montreal is Montrealâs largest food bank, whose mission is to ensure an optimal food supply to the community organizations that provide assistance to people in crisis in Montreal. Volunteering at your local food bank is also a great way to give back!
Visit Moisson Montrealâs website for more information and how to volunteer: http://www.moissonmontreal.org/en/home.html
Donate here: https://www.imakeanonlinedonation.org/moissonmontreal/index.php
- Volunteer at a homeless shelter: Montrealâs Old Brewery Mission
Nobody should have to endure the cold Montreal winters in the streets and having a warm place to call home every night is also something we take for granted. Getting involved and volunteering at your communityâs local shelter is a great way to give back. Montrealâs Old Brewery Mission began as a soup kitchen in 1889, and since then it has expanded and for over a hundred years it has provided emergency services for homeless men and women in Montreal through refuge from the streets, warm meals, clean clothing and more. This holiday season give the gift of self and spend an afternoon at your local shelter- a rewarding way of giving back to your community!
For more information on how to volunteer at the Old Brewery Mission: http://www.oldbrewerymission.ca/get_involved.htm
To Donate: http://www.oldbrewerymission.ca/Payment_methods.htm
Â
Happy Holidays!
Â