Happy December 1st. And Happy #GivingTuesday.
After what feels like a month of sales, bargains, and online shopping, it only seems right that one should stop, take a breath and spend some dollars on something other than oneself.
Enter today aka Giving Tuesday.
It’s an occasion for us to all step up and answer a global call to action to be more generous.
Whether it’s a donation to your favourite charity or a commitment to start giving your time to a local not-for-profit, there’s one thing the world can always use. More kindness. Especially right now.
So, we asked some of our team which charities and causes they’d be supporting.
And here’s what they said:
Mithran Stone, efficiency ninja and COO
The Canadian Council for Refugees
“One of the coolest things about Canada that I see as an immigrant is it’s kindness and humanity. When most other borders are closed for immigration, Canada’s are open for many people. The CCR aids refugees and vulnerable immigrants of which there are many.
But my favourite way to donate is to give my time. In mentorship to immigrants in particular. Mentors helped me find a life in Canada and paying it forward in kind feels gratifying. Find your favourite organization and give them your time.”
Jeremy Leal, production specialist
“I can’t think of a more timely organization to support right now. Formerly known as the Psychology Foundation of Canada, Strong Mind Strong Kids is committed to programs that promote and foster the mental well-being of children.
I learned about them through my sister who worked for them on initiatives and workshops that helped teachers better support the mental health of their students.”
Melissa Andrews, all-star writer and resident of South Africa
“Yiza Ekhaya is a community project and soup kitchen that feeds up to 250 hungry children and elderly people in one of the most impoverished communities in Cape Town, the sprawling township of Khayelitsha.
It was started by Mickey Winifred Linda (known as Nompilo or care-giver) when she began using her grant money (less than 100 dollars a month) to buy food for those suffering from malnutrition and neglect. She started a small vegetable garden and, with support from a few funders, provides a nutritionally-rich and healthy meal to school kids, as well as a place of safety and love. Elderly patients are referred from nearby clinics for a meal they can take with their medication, often the only one they’ll eat all day.
She always needs donations so if you want to support an initiative that really helps people, this is it.”
Lindsay Bell, all-star writer #2 and resident of New Brunswick
“While I have a few charities I support (you know, the traditional big ones), I recently stumbled upon Courage Cookies, and knew I wanted to highlight them. This small cookie company was literally born out of Covid-19. The couple behind it had both lost jobs, and started baking. Demand for their cookies grew, and they wanted to give back to the front-line folks working so hard during the pandemic. They set themselves a goal of $10,000 for COVID-19 relief – and so far have raised nearly $30,000! You can learn more about their charity outreach here. So go on now, stuff your face and feel good doing it!”
Lindsay Leclair, digital production manager
Note from the author of this piece: If you know Lindsay, you know she is passionate about a few key things: Her family, her work, and her hens. So in no way am I surprised to learn that Lindsay’s charity of choice is chicken related:)
“I was shocked to learn that malnutrition and HIV/AIDS in the African country of Eswatini has left nearly half of its children orphaned. So I’m very glad to learn that our Canadian egg farmers are working with Heart for Africa (Canada) to supply expertise and assistance with farming infrastructure to ensure communities have access to fresh, nutritious eggs.
Each $25 donation will buy one hen which will provide 275 eggs to the community.”
Will Lamont, CMO and co-host of The 4am Report podcast
“Where I live I see a lot of homeless people on a daily basis. And more and more they seem to be younger and younger.
This Giving Tuesday I will be supporting Covenant House (they’re in both Toronto and Vancouver) – an organization that provides support to youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk.
As an added incentive to inspire you to give, right now actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have committed to match any donation you make.”
Susan Diaz, c+p founder and editor in chief
Canadian Civil Liberties Association
“When it comes to giving, I tend to keep my charitable causes classic. I typically donate to anti racism and cancer.
While I’ve given to NAACP before, this is the Canadian equivalent: Canadian Civil Liberties Association.”
What charities will you be supporting this year?
