Community Living: Give Gifts that Give Back

Gifts of a Home. Homelessness is a hidden issue. Many people are among the homeless. They may work with you, attend school with your children, even shop at the same stores as you. They stay with relatives or friends, sleeping on couches, or even sleep in cars. Just because we don’t see them on our streets, doesn’t mean the problem doesn’t exist.

What can you do? Donate time, money or in-kind items to local housing charities. Organize a basic needs or food drive. Spread the word – become an ambassador for housing issues.

Gifts of Hope and Joy. Cute, cuddly and caring. All of the department stores have these. This is an easy way to make a difference and support the charities in your community. One example of this is Elvin the Elf. This holiday season, Sears will be selling Elvin to help raise funds for organizations that provide after-school programs for children and youth in communities across Canada.

Gifts of Give Away Winter Wear. Sharing warming trends are in. Make a statement to your family and friends that you can make a difference by donating one jacket at a time. Local Canadian charities need your help. This year instead of buying something extra why not buy a new jacket for someone in your community instead?

Gifts of Eco-friendly & Consciousness-Raising. Why not pay closer attention to the labels this year and especially for children’s toys? Ethically made goodies are perfect for everyone on your list.

Gifts of Colourful Indoor Plants. Look for the ones that keep on blooming all year long. Some retailers donate a portion of their profits to worthwhile Canadian charities.

Gifts of Flowers to Celebrate the Holidays. Why not give festive flowers to your local hospital, senior retirement residences or long term care facilities. If you have ordered a decorative centerpiece for your own Christmas celebration, you may also donate it the day after to any one of the above community facilities. What a huge holiday lift they will be for everyone to see!

Gifts of Food. Help people facing hunger in your community.Canadian food banks continue to need your gifts of food. Why not make it a part of your holiday family celebration to take groceries directly to your food bank and volunteer your time to assist with sorting, handing out or delivering.

Gifts of Taking Care of Your Neighbours. Pay attention to your neighbours. If you have noticed a change in their health this past year, why not offer to shovel their driveway this winter as your gift to them. Pay close attention to ice on stairs and walkways, sunny days and cold nights are great for creating ice even if there hasn’t been a recent snowfall.

Gifts of Transportation. If you go to a church or participate in activities at a seniors’ community centre, why not ask at the office if they know of anyone who would love to join in but who is no longer able to get themselves to and from.

Gifts of Volunteering your Talent. If you can play an instrument, sing with soul, or enjoy playing games, why not volunteer at one of your local retirement residences to be part of their weekly and/or monthly entertainment.

This year why not give gifts that give back? You will soon discover that there is far more joy in giving gifts that make a real difference in someone’s life

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