Now more than ever, it’s crucial to look for ways to support those in the community who may need more help than usual this season. This Giving Tuesday, you have the chance to contribute to local charitable organizations that make the lives of those in need a little easier. From the Mustard Seed to the Edmonton Bank, get into the giving spirit with contributions to these Edmonton-based charities!
1) The Edmonton Food Bank
|| 11508 120 St., 780-425-2133
The Edmonton Food Bank gathers food donations from the community and works to get them into the hands of individuals and families struggling with food scarcity, free of charge. There are multiple ways to donate and help out, from donations of food and money to volunteering your time in their warehouse and distribution centre. For even more ways to give, the Edmonton Food Bank’s website outlines the many actions you can take to support the cause. Many Edmonton businesses and groups support the Edmonton Food Bank this time of year, either by collecting non-perishable food items or by donating proceeds.
2) The Mustard Seed
|| 10568 114 St., 780-426-5600
Aiming to reduce poverty and homelessness in our community, the Mustard Seed provides short-term resources for those experiencing barriers to employment and housing to have their physical needs met. Those interested in contributing to their efforts are encouraged to donate through their website. Other ways to get involved include volunteering and donating items from their urgently-needed items list.
3) Bissell Centre
|| 10527 96 St., 780-423-2285
The Bissell Centre is dedicated to bringing dignity and accessibility to those in need by providing a judgement-free and cost-free shopping experience. In combination with revenue from their Thrift Shop, volunteers, and community donations of clothing and household goods, the centre has maintained a free Community Closet that over 2100 people in need have accessed yearly. Contributions also go towards the Family Closet, with profits from the Thrift Shop going directly into Bissel Centre’s charitable programs and services.
4) Holiday Hamper
|| info@holidayhamper.ca
Become a Hamper Elf this holiday season with the Holiday Hamper Program: an organization that has been pairing up charitable folks with families in need to provide gifts and groceries. To become a Hamper Elf, all it takes is to sign up to adopt a family and assemble a hamper based on the provided grocery list that will then be delivered on December 19th! To contribute even more, volunteering and monetary donations help the Holiday Hamper Program to keep brightening the season. Bring some joy into the lives of those who might need some extra kindness this Christmas.
5) Labor Day Prenatals
|| 39 Greystone Crescent, Sherwood Park, 780-909-6790
Their many classes and educational resources bring real, evidence-based answers to the questions that being pregnant may bring, providing professional instruction to make the journey a little easier. Labor Day Prenatals is now accepting donations of items such as formula, diapers, baby food, and more to support those unable during this time to afford the products needed for their child. There are multiple locations such as Red Ribbon available for donation drop-offs. For more info on where to donate, Labor Day Prenatals can be contacted through their Instagram direct messages.
6) Pride Centre of Edmonton
|| 10618 105 Ave., 780-488-3234
With a mission to embody the spirit of an open, loving, and inclusive Edmonton, the Pride Centre of Edmonton provides many forms of support to members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the city. Resources, education, volunteering, and organized community events are only a slice of what the Pride Centre brings to those in the community seeking help. To join the effort to create a safe space for individuals to live the most authentic version of themselves possible, you can donate online, in-person, or contribute through third-party fundraising.
7) The Christmas Bureau
|| 12122 68 St., 780-421-9627
A delicious holiday dinner can be central to the magic of the Christmas season, which is why the Christmas Bureau brings festive meals to Edmontonians in need! Get in on this effort to bring sharing and caring into the forefront of the holidays this year, and brighten the day of someone who needs a little lift to their spirits. There are multiple ways to get involved from donating, to volunteering, to sponsoring a hamper for distribution. Let’s get back to the true meaning of Christmas, and bring a table full of joy to a family this season.
8) Santa’s Anonymous
|| 12122 68 St., 780-428-8697
This year has been hard for a lot of families, meaning that our community has the opportunity to give help when it’s needed most. 630 CHED Santas Anonymous aims to put new, exciting toys under the tree of a child in need with help from the community. Donations through the website, or by way of calling Santa’s Helpers December 1st from 7 am to 7 pm, will go towards giving gifts to over 20,000 kids in Edmonton. Don your best elf hat and help Kris Kringle in his efforts to make sure every child wakes up to a gift this Christmas. Other businesses and groups work with Santa’s Anonymous as official drop-off spots, including the Alberta Aviation Museum.
