The holidays are coming into full swing after finals, which means more time for us students to shop for gifts and spend time with our friends and family. Visiting the Vancouver Christmas Market, walking through the Glow Christmas gardens, skating on Robson Square Ice Rink, and shopping for gifts at Metropolis at Metrotown all sound like common and often traditional plans we may make during the holiday season, but this is not the case for many people living in B.C.’s Lower Mainland.
In British Columbia, 13.2 percent of the population is currently living under the poverty line. Moreover, one in five children are living in poverty. These are people who we see and talk to everyday, around town and in our schools, who are struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, those of us who are living above the poverty line are not experiencing their monetary troubles, leading us to have the luxury of enjoying the holiday season in ways that those living under the poverty line cannot.
With all of these facts, I ask myself why can’t we all share the holiday season together?
I believe the first step in doing so is by ending the stigma against those living in poverty, and supporting them with purpose. There are many ways that we can all accomplish this goal during the holiday season, such as volunteering at your local non-profit that supports those overcoming life challenges, managing events and fundraisers to raise money for donations, and donating new or gently used clothing items, toys and hygiene products to charities.
It’s very rewarding to be able able to help others; thus, to prompt and help you all decide how you will be helping others this holiday season, I am outlining a few of my favourite ideas below.
#TheGiftofGiving2017: The Gift of Giving 2017 is an annual fundraiser, where donations go towards sponsoring gift bags that will be handed out to women in need at the Downtown Eastside Women’s Shelter. Each gift is beautifully wrapped and includes a variety of items, such as a shea butter hand cream, a pair of warm cozy socks, a toothbrush, toothpaste, protein bars, hair ties, feminine hygiene products, and new/unused underwear in a gift bag with a handwritten card, making each woman feel special and loved when they receive it.
Victor Ghirra Toy Drive: The annual Victor Ghirra Toy Drive is coming up to its 11th year and has collected over 30,000 toys for children in need. These toys are collected and distributed to various local charities, including the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, CanuckPlace, Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau and more. The toy drive accepts new and unwrapped toys at select locations, and hosts a fun-filled event on the last of the drive where all the toys collected are counted and distributed among charities. This year the grand toy count event will take place on Saturday, December 16, so get donating ASAP!
Cause We Care (CWC) Christmas Care Package Drive: The 11th annual CWC Christmas Care Package Drive collects donations and puts together holiday care packages to support families in need across the Lower Mainland. The care packages include high protein and non-perishable food items, winter accessories, and holiday treats. This year, Capital Direct will be matching each dollar donated, ultimately doubling the amount of care packages that will be given this year.
Please note that my list is not exhaustive, and that there are many other things you can do this holiday season to help others. Researching your favourite charity is a great place to start, or you may even choose to start your own. (Yes, you can start your own charity– how fun!)
Spread some cheer, joy and happiness this holiday season, and remember that you can never help too much.