Helping those in need is important every year, regardless of the season. However this year with dual pandemics of COVID-19 and an overwhelming increase in overdose deaths, both of which are about to be exponentially exacerbated by the coming winter weather, NGO's and not-for-profit organizations have more critical needs than ever.
We strongly believe in involving our children in helping others in whatever capacity they are able. With that spirit, we've rounded up a few of the ways you and your family can give back this holiday season.
encouraging a giving spirit in kids
For over 40 years, Family Services of the North Shore has touched the lives of some of the most vulnerable community members through the Christmas Bureau. This annual program ensures that everyone can celebrate the holiday season, regardless of their financial circumstances. They are hosting drive thru toy drives every Saturday until December 12th, at various locations across the North Shore. The Toy Drives aren't the only way to give, you can also volunteer with the organization, or sponsor a family.
Find ways to give here.
Find Toy Drives here.
BC Children's Hospital is proud to present the 2021 Holiday Card Collection. You can choose between pre-designed traditional holiday or unique West Coast vibe cards, or customize your own personal version!
With each order you are supporting brighter futures for BC's kids by funding vital programs and services essential to providing the absolute best in pediatric care to the children of British Columbia.
See details here
Blanket BC Society is an award winning nonprofit organization that has been collecting and distributing blankets and warm clothing to shelter programs, families in need, emergency services, First Nations and Indigenous communities for 16 years! They raise awareness on homelessness, poverty and social economic issues while promoting volunteerism at an early age.
You can schedule a free pickup of your donation of warm blankets and clothing, or drop off at any #spreadthewarmth event.
See details here
At Christmas and during difficult seasons such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Union Gospel Mission knows that the financial burden can be just too much. When you stock the shelves of UGM’s Christmas Hamper Store, you provide gifts, grocery gift cards, and other essential household needs for hundreds of families. You can choose to deliver the physical gifts to UGM or to sponsor the cost of specific items listed in their online store. All physical donations must be brand new only, and need to arrive at UGM no later than November 26th.
See details here
The mission of the DEWC is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for women from all walks of life, who live or work in the Downtown Eastside. You can help them make the holiday season special for these women and children with donations of new, unopened, and unwrapped items to add to this year's gift bags.
See details here.
Covenant House Vancouver has been serving youth with absolute respect and unconditional love for over 23 years. They not only help youth experiencing homelessness, but protect and safeguard all youth in need.
This holiday season, you can donate youth special treats for Advent or a backpack full of brand-new gifts for Christmas. You can drop off new, unopened and unwrapped items, shop online from their wishlist, or volunteer your time.
See details here
Heather is a Toronto born mama of two whose parenting journey has taken her family coast to coast across Canada. When she’s not whipping up recipes for the Healthy Family Living website or sharing the latest fun Vancouver events on HFL’s Facebook page, she’s a freelance writer that has recently been published in an anthology entitled BIG, as well as in the Huffington Post, as she and her hubby of 13 years attempt to keep up with their two spirited girls and 3 fur babies!
