12 Days of Giving

Tis’ the season! Of shopping, of eating, of baking, of caroling, of decking the halls and trimming the tree, of eggnog and gingerbread houses. It’s the season of spending time with family (sometimes even when you don’t want to) and friends, holiday parties, red cups, cheesy Christmas movies, Christmas cards and wish lists. There’s so many wonderful things I love about the season, the most important being celebrating the birth of Jesus and the sacrifice he made for us. And I think that’s reflected, in this season, when we look outside ourselves and give generously to others without expectation of anything in return. With 11 days left until Christmas (eeeekkk!), and with what can be somewhat of a mad rush to the big day, I wanted to highlight some local YEG groups that give back to the community this holiday season. So if you’re looking for ideas for yourself or a group to donate your time or money to then read on. And if you have any other suggestions or have a cause that is close to your heart, please leave a comment below 🙂

1. Christmas Bureau of Edmonton -Providing a festive Christmas meal to local families since 1940.
2. Santa’s Anonymous – 630 Cheds simple wish for every child to receive a new toy at Christmas.
3. Hope Mission / 24/7 Van Services – A not-for-profit Christian social care agency caring for impoverished and homeless men, women and children in Alberta.
4. YES (Youth Emergency Services)– Serving homeless and at-risk youth by providing critically-needed resources which empower them to become self-sufficient.
5. We All Believe In You – A community for those struggling with mental illness developed by survivors of mental illness.
6. The Mustard Seed– Providing programs and services including education and employment programs, health and wellness services, basic needs through a shelter for 370 men and women, spiritual care and housing.
7. Jasper Place Wellness Centre– Work collaboratively in the community in five key areas – Housing, Employment, Food, Education and Health Care.
8. ABC Headstart– Provides an early learning program for children with comprehensive family support in multiple locations across the city of Edmonton. They are also running a holiday hamper program for local families. ABC Headstart Holiday Hamper
9. Basically Babies– Works to provide for the basic outfitting needs of newborn babies born to families in extreme need in the greater Edmonton area.
10. Compassion House– A haven for women battling cancer.
11. Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS)– Volunteer run animal rescue society, helping feed, house or medically aid animals in need.
12. Edmonton Food Bank– Distributing food hampers to people in need in the community while seeking solutions to the cause of hunger.

I know there are soooo many more AMAZING local charities that could be on this list and it was very difficult to narrow it down to only 12! Because of that I’ll also link this list that I found that has 100 YEG and area charities.

AND, most of these charities need your support throughout the year as well! #GiveBack

What are some of your favourite charities that you support (for the season and/or throughout the year)? Let me know in the comments below 🙂

xo