The holidays are all about giving and giving back to the community. The GTA is filled with opportunities to give back to those who may be less fortunate. Festive months and philanthropy work best hand-in-hand and as always, there’s plenty of chances to donate your time and effort this year. There are various ways to help out this holiday season. Check out the following list to see some ideas.
- Toy Drives
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A variety of organizations and businesses collect toys to disperse to families in need for Christmas morning. It is important to always keep in mind that some families may not have the means to have traditional holidays, while other families may have just immigrated to Canada and are not yet able to celebrate with their family. Appreciating the differences of all of the families around the GTA, toy drives are great to help those who may not be able to help themselves. Here is a list of some charities around the GTA that have multiple volunteer opportunities
– CTV/Salvation Army Toy Mountain
– Toronto Fire Fighters and Toronto Police both hold toy drives throughout the city
– The Drake Hotel Warming Hearts Holiday Drive
- Adopt a Family
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Kids are not the only ones who receive joy from the holidays. We should always appreciate the fact that everyone looks forward to being with their families this festive season. The best way we can help families who are unable to celebrate the holidays is by sponsoring or adopting the whole family. Organizations provide a selection of families, such as a single mother and child, or two parents with two children. A basket costs roughly around $100–$200 for a family of four. Typically, baskets will include non-perishable food (or food vouchers), household items (such as linens or kitchenware) and clothing along with toys for the kids as well. A few organizations that provide this resource include:
– Society of St. Vincent De Paul
– Hope for Children Foundation
- Holiday Meals
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Many don’t have the option of a full table for the holidays. Consider providing food for families in need, the elderly, the homeless or others in crisis situations. You can donate a turkey to a family either by giving money to a food organization, such as a food bank, or you can buy one at a participating grocery store. You can also help a mission or shelter host a free dinner for people in need by donating to them directly. A few locations include:
– Second Harvest (donate a turkey)
– The Scott Mission (free Christmas dinners meals)
– Lawyers Feed the Hungry (free Christmas dinners)
– St. Francis Table (free Christmas dinner, serving Parkdale)
- Meals on Wheels
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If you want to do more than just buying for a family for the holidays, consider delivering the food to families in need directly! Drivers are desperately needed for this organization which delivers food to seniors. Groups likes Dixon Hall, the Canadian Red Cross, SPRINT Senior Care and West Neighbourhood House (the list goes on) all need volunteers as the holidays draw nearer this December.
- Habitat for Humanity
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When I think of the holidays, I think of gingerbread houses. However, I don’t always think about how not all families have access to buying gingerbread houses or have never decorated one before. Help Habitat for Humanity, an organization is dedicated to affordable housing with their 17th annual Gingerbread Build. Whether you’re setting up, registering guests, or handing out gingerbread kits, your time helps all proceeds of the event go to low-income families.
As the holidays draw near, keep in mind that not everyone is as fortunate. Not everyone can have a giant Christmas tree, large holiday dinners or even have family get-togethers. Do what you can by helping families that may need a hand getting into the holiday spirit.