If the holiday season is a time of indulgence (the time of year when we spend too much, eat too much and watch too many saccharine Christmas specials), it’s also a time when we should think of others. There’s no greater antidote to over-indulgence than to volunteer your time and give back to the community. Here are ClutchPR’s suggestions on how to make a difference this holiday season.
#FeedTO – Starting at 9 am on Monday, December 21, 12-year-old blogger and activist Hannah Alper and her father Eric will be handing out free hot meals from the Rancho Relaxo food truck in the Yonge and College, Bathurst and Bloor, and Dufferin and King areas. At noon they will host a pay-what-you-can meal at the SiriusXM building in Liberty Village, with proceeds going to the Daily Bread Food Bank. They hope to raise $5,000.
“I am very aware that there are many people in our city who don’t have basic needs met every day,” says Hannah. “If we all make an effort to try to help and do what we can, I think that it will go a long way.”
Support Syrian refugees – You’ve learned about their trials from the papers and watched them arrive in Canada on TV. Now that the first Syrian refugees have arrived, there are multiple ways to lend a hand. You can sponsor a family (see if you’re eligible here) or donate to Lifeline Syria.
Donate a turkey – You can donate a turkey for those in need through Second Harvest. If that’s not your thing, you can help deliver and serve meals for groups like the Scott Mission, St. Francis Table and the Stop Community Food Centre.
Holiday Helpers – This non-profit charity delivers Christmas packages to low income families, and relies on volunteers to wrap presents and delivery. Their goal for 2015 is to help 425 families. Find out how you can pitch in here.
Not just for Christmas – There’s no reason that thinking charitably has to end on New Years Day. In fact, most organizations continue to require volunteers and donors all through the year. Although there are many to choose from, here are a couple of suggestions: Supporting Our Youth (SOY), Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto, Canadian Mental Health Health Association and Horizons for Youth.
Planning to give back this holiday season? Share your plans with us on Twitter.
