Every holiday season can be tough for so many. I am grateful each day for having a roof over my head and food on the table, to not have to worry about how to get from point A to point B, or knowing I have warm clothes to bundle up before I go outside. This isn’t the case for everyone. So throughout the year, where I can, I try to give back—especially during the holiday season. There’s lots of festive ways to support local charities, and this year (2020), with the pandemic, people could use your help more than ever.
So please use this little Guide to A Few Festive Ways To Give Back in Edmonton This Holiday Season if you are able to—donate your time, donate your money, and spread some holiday cheer!
A Few Festive Ways To Give Back in Edmonton This Holiday Season
Holiday Hamper
Become a Holiday Hamper Elf before Nov. 15! Adopt one or more families in need. Pick up groceries and gifts then hand-deliver your hamper. 1,200 families are in need this season. The Holiday Hamper fundraises to provide turkeys and roasting pans for each hamper while Elves provide gifts and groceries!
Helpy Holidays
There’s a few ways to become a Bissell Holiday Helper this season. Shop the Bissell Centre’s Holiday Gift Guide for individuals and families in need, donate new toys or warm clothes, volunteer to wrap gifts, start a holiday fundraiser or just spread the word!
Stockings for Seniors
From Nov. 12 to Dec. 16, sign-up to Stocking Stuffers for Seniors! London Drugs has partnered with local care homes and charities to bring holiday cheer for seniors this season. Visit the Christmas Tree at a local London Drugs to find a seniors gift tag and wish list. Purchase / donate items on the list!
Holiday Gift Drive
Meals on Wheels wants to make sure no senior is forgotten this year. Support their Holiday Gift Drive by donating new gifts (specified on their list) or providing gift cards before Dec. 11 to make sure homebound clients have a Merry Christmas.
Santas Anonymous
Support Santa’s Anonymous by volunteering at Santas Depot wrapping gifts for kids in need, or sign up to be a delivery day driver to help deliver the “Spirit of Christmas!” in December! You can also donate toys. 2020 marks the 65th anniversary of Santa’s Anonymous!
Christmas Bureau
Help the Christmas Bureau provide a festive meal for Edmonton families in need. You can fundraise, donate, or volunteer. You can also participate in existing event fundraisers like the Winter Wonder Forest Car Pass or Countdown to Christmas 50/50. Also see how you can help Adopt A Teen, which is part of the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton.
So that’s just six festive ways to give back in Edmonton this holiday season!
Of course there are so many charities and non-profits who help so many people in need, in so many different ways. Giving Tuesday is on Dec. 1, which would be a good day to donate to local charities. You can also review Canada Helps for a list of Edmonton charities to find something specific to give time or money to. The Edmonton Food Bank could always use support. There’s a few more charities listed in this Twitter thread too. And there’s also nothing stopping you from coming up with your own special and unique ways to give back, to whichever organization is meaningful for you!
Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Linda
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