Photo by Marco Verch Professional Photographer, CC BY 2.0 on Flickr

By Tina Nasiri and Noelle Yeung

  1. Donate to your local food bank

Since March 2019, food bank usage in Canada has increased by 35%, with 1.5 million Canadians visiting in March 2022. Strains on costs of living are more serious now than ever with the inflation rates intensifying across the globe. You can help keep someone fed by contributing any non-perishable foods you have on hand in your kitchen, from canned vegetables to crackers. Or, if you want to get directly involved in the process, consider volunteering to pack, prepare, or serve food. There’s always a food bank or soup kitchen near you that can use your help!

  1. Grant the wishes of children battling critical illnesses

Our health is something that we usually take for granted, and it can definitely be surprising to see how many people, especially kids, will be spending the holidays in hospitals. This year, rather than asking for gifts, get your family and friends to donate some money to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to support a meaningful cause. By donating, you can show support to children in hospitals and their loved ones. 

  1. Volunteer for your local community

From food drives, to homeless shelters, to simply wrapping presents, thousands of charitable organizations are spread across your community in need of support, especially during the holiday season. Apply to be a volunteer assistant at Fantasticanta Playhouse, where you can brighten the lives of children with disabilities through entertainment. Or volunteer at 105 Gibson Centre, where various positions of giving are available to choose from. Not only do you get the chance to help out your beloved community, but you gain experience in real-world roles and earn volunteer hours required for high school graduation. It’s a win-win!

Works Cited

Hassan, Sharif. “Food bank usage across Canada hit all-time high in March: report.” CityNews Toronto, 27 October, 2022, toronto.citynews.ca/2022/10/27/food-bank-usage-record-high-canada/. Accessed 29 November, 2022.

Liu, Cindy. “Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season.” Mooreland Kids, 8 Nov. 2021. www.moorelands.ca/ways-to-give-back-this-holiday-season/. Accessed 20, November, 2022.

“Volunteer Assistant.” VolunteerMatch, www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3600259.jsp. Accessed on 29 November, 2022.

“Volunteer Opportunities Nov 2022.xlsx.” 105 Gibson Centre, 105gibson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Volunteer-Opportunities-Nov-2022.pdf. Accessed 29, November, 2022.

“5 ways to give back to this holiday season.” Chartwell, chartwell.com/en/blog/2019/12/5-ways-to-give-back-this-holiday-season. Accessed 29, November, 2022.