Looking for a way to give back this holiday season? Check out our list of charities making a difference in Vaughan and the GTA.
The Basketeers is a 100% volunteer run program of currently 12 chapters in eastern Canada and Penticton, B.C. to support women coming from women’s shelters. Very often, the mother of the family is forgotten around the holidays. Therefore the purpose of the Basketeers is to provide a large basket of items for a woman who is starting a new life for herself and her children.
To fill a basket or make an online donation, please visit the above website. The site will show how to donate online and a list of suggested items as well as the drop off date and location(s) for the baskets. National Drop off date: Saturday, November 22nd. (This is not a registered charity. No official tax receipts provided)
Holiday Heroes Food and Toy Drive
Since the launch of Holiday Heroes in 2008, York Regional Police has raised over $700,000 in monetary donations, new toys, new children’s clothing and food. 100% of donations directly support the children from our community who are in need. Their efforts will provide holiday cheer to the thousands of families who have registered for assistance through the local Salvation Army programs and the York Region Children's Aid Society. You can drop off new unwrapped toys, new children’s clothing, gift cards or Canadian Tire Money at any York Regional Police facility. The drive usually begins mid-November and ends mid-December.
CP Holiday Train (in support of the Vaughan Food Bank)
The CP Holiday Train is North America's longest rolling food bank fundraiser! As the train makes it way across Canada, musicians will play more than 150 concerts from a boxcar we've turned into a travelling stage. The concerts are free, but we encourage you to bring a donation for your local food bank — either a non-perishable food item or a cash donation. All contributions will stay in your community.
The train will be in Vaughan on November 30th at 10am at the north west corner of the CP Crossing at Nashville Rd, near the Old Grain Elevator.
Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread Build
Help build a ‘home sweet home’ for families in need by decorating your own gingerbread house at Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area’s 12th Annual Gingerbread Build. While volunteers have to be at least 16 years of age to volunteer on a Habitat build site, children of any age can participate in the Gingerbread Build. 100% of the funds raised through the Annual Gingerbread Build go directly to building Habitat homes for families in need of affordable housing in the GTA.
Build your own kits can be picked up between Nov 17th – Dec 19th at a Habitat Regional office, or you can donate a kit to a family living in a shelter. There is also a 'Build Party' on December 6th and 7th at the Ontario Science Center.
Their annual Turkey Drive raises food and funds to ensure people in need
are able to have a festive holiday meal. On December 6th & 7th and December 13th & 14th, volunteers will be collecting donations at select Loblaws stores – donate a turkey to help feed hungry adults, children and seniors in the community.
Yellow Brick House Holiday Campaign
Yellow Brick House is mandated to provide services in York Region to women and children who have experienced violence and abuse. There are 4 ways to contribute to their holiday campaign
- Contribute needed household items and clothes
- Organize a gift card collection
- Host a holiday drive
- Donate cash directly to Yellow Brick House
Shoeboxes are filled by Canadians with hygiene items, school supplies, toys, and candy, and are given to children regardless of gender, race, or religion. In 2014, shoeboxes will be distributed in Uruguay, El Salvador, Guatemala, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Venezuela, Equatorial Guinea, Costa Rica, Guinea, Haiti, Nicaragua, Chile (including Easter Island), and Senegal (listed destination countries are subject to change).
Read about how and what to pack in a shoebox here. In addition to the items in the shoebox, a $7 minimum donation is required to pay for shipping. Click here to find a shoebox collection centre near you. Shoeboxes must be dropped off between November 17 to 23, 2014.
Holiday Helpers is a registered charity whose mission is to provide a one time personalized Christmas package to low income families with young children who are trying to improve their circumstances. We work with donors, volunteers and referring charities to provide each family with a holiday meal, decorated Christmas tree and individually selected Christmas gifts. You can help by buying gifts from the families wish list, donating money or organizing a toy drive.
