31 Days of giving
Whether you've got some spare change to give or even a spare hour
or two, take some time to consider what the holidays are all about. No
matter what you celebrate — the idea of helping others is universal
and it feels good too.
We've given you 31 days of giving opportunities — we gave you the links and everything to make it easy during this hectic season — and encourage you to seek out your own if you want. Let the giving begin!
1. Arts Project supports local artists and offers community space at affordable costs. Help keep local culture alive — learn more at http://ww.artsproject.ca
2. Canadian Blood Services
People always need blood and you usually get a cookie in return! Win win. Located on 840 Commissioners Rd. E. Email feedback@blood.ca or call (519) 690-3999 for more info.
3. Dogoodstore.com
Get Christmas shopping done while helping local charities. Visit online — they sell everything from jewelry to games to gardening and more and everything goes back to the charities.
4. Art for AIDS International
It raises awareness and funds for women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. At 242 Dundas St., lower level. Email info@artforaids.ca on how you can get involved.
5. Sisters of St. Joseph's
They focus on many global issues like human trafficking and the water crisis. Contact generalate@csj.london.on.ca on how to help.
6. Mission Services
Provides the necessities — food, shelter — for those who need it most. They offer tons of different ways to donate money or you can volunteer your time. info@missionservices.ca
7. Childreach
Help parents with the positive development of their children. Visit http://childreach.on.ca for more information or call (519) 434-3644.
8. Great Big Theatre Co.
Have a flair for the theatre? The GBTC is always looking for volunteers, set-designers and more. Contact onstage@gbtc.com to help.
9. Alzheimer Society of Middlesex-London
About 7,000 families in London and area are affected by this disease. Visit http://www.alzheimerlondon.ca for information on donations and volunteer opportunities.
10. Canadian Cancer Society
Odds are you know at least one person in your life who has faced cancer. Be part of getting rid of it. Visit http://cancer.ca under “How You Can Help” — there are tons of options from fundraising to volunteering.
11. Canadian Diabetes Association — London Chapter
Visit http://diabetes.ca for ways to get involved.
12. Canadian Paraplegic Association
Offers products and services for those affected by spinal cord injuries. http://www.canparaplegic.org tells you how you can donate.
13. Children's Health Foundation
The 80-year-old, non-profit raises money for children's health care. Visit http://childrenshealth.ca and help a child out.
14. Children's Museum
Some of you may remember it from childhood, why not help make memories for other kids? They operate mainly on volunteers and it can be as little as an hour a week.
15. Humane Society
Fuzzy critters could always use some extra love — and not just during the holidays. Volunteer or be a foster parent to a new furry friend. http://londonhumanesociety.ca
16. Easter Seal
Helps children, youth and adults with physical disabilities. Take time to volunteer or donate at http://www.easterseals.org
17. Habitat for Humanity
You may go home for the holidays, but not many people get the chance to even have a home. Volunteer, donate or advocate for habitat. Learn more at http://habitat.ca
18. Heart and Stroke Foundation — London-Middlesex
Protect your heart and your loved ones' by volunteering or even just cooking a heart healthy meal for friends. Check out http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca
19. London Food Bank
While you enjoy your holiday feast, think about the 2,000 people the Food Bank helps every year to give them just the necessities. Donate your food, time or dollars at http://web.ca/~londonfb
20. Salvation Army
Started in 1882, the Salvation Army has been dedicated to helping those in need. Want to donate or volunteer? Find the closest location at http://www.salvationarmy.ca
21. United Way
They work to figure out the roots of and solutions to tons of social issues. Be part of some change at http://www.uwlondon.on.ca
22. The Breast Cancer Site
A simple click of your mouse gives free mammograms and the site links you to similar sites for the rainforest, animal rescue, stopping hunger and more. http://thebreastcancersite.com
23. Investing in Kids
They've impacted more than 14,000 kids through the creation of unique opportunities to help them reach their potential. Don't have the cash to donate? They also love volunteers! http://www.investinginchildren.on.ca
24. Your own family!
Help your grandparents with shoveling, help your mom with the holiday baking and don't be too cool to hang out with your younger cousins — they likely look up to you.
25. Regional Mental Health Care
They're always looking for volunteers to help add to the quality of programming and create a sense of community to St. Joseph's. Sign up at http://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/mhl/mhl.htm
26. Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area
Why not make a difference in someone's life? Learn more about volunteering by calling 519-438-7065 or emailing info@bbbsola.org
27. Reforest London
Plant a tree (or 10) and give back to Mother Nature — she's had a rough year. Visit http://www.reforestlondon. ca for more information.
28. None of these suggestions interest you? Visit the Pillar Nonprofit Network and pick from a bunch of volunteer opportunities: http://www.pillarnonprofit.ca
29. Like the library?
Volunteer! Visit http://www.londonpubliclibrary.ca - you can sign up to read with kids or be part of special events at the libraries.
30. Help the FSU by donating to our Adopt-a-Family program!
Cash donation boxes can be found at the following: Interrobang, Biz Booth, FSU Office and the Oasis
31. Be nice
With 2009 behind us and 2010 about to begin — why not try to be a little nicer in the New Year? Be less Kanye, more Taylor Swift because we all know there are too many Kanyes out there.
We've given you 31 days of giving opportunities — we gave you the links and everything to make it easy during this hectic season — and encourage you to seek out your own if you want. Let the giving begin!
1. Arts Project supports local artists and offers community space at affordable costs. Help keep local culture alive — learn more at http://ww.artsproject.ca
2. Canadian Blood Services
People always need blood and you usually get a cookie in return! Win win. Located on 840 Commissioners Rd. E. Email feedback@blood.ca or call (519) 690-3999 for more info.
3. Dogoodstore.com
Get Christmas shopping done while helping local charities. Visit online — they sell everything from jewelry to games to gardening and more and everything goes back to the charities.
4. Art for AIDS International
It raises awareness and funds for women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. At 242 Dundas St., lower level. Email info@artforaids.ca on how you can get involved.
5. Sisters of St. Joseph's
They focus on many global issues like human trafficking and the water crisis. Contact generalate@csj.london.on.ca on how to help.
6. Mission Services
Provides the necessities — food, shelter — for those who need it most. They offer tons of different ways to donate money or you can volunteer your time. info@missionservices.ca
7. Childreach
Help parents with the positive development of their children. Visit http://childreach.on.ca for more information or call (519) 434-3644.
8. Great Big Theatre Co.
Have a flair for the theatre? The GBTC is always looking for volunteers, set-designers and more. Contact onstage@gbtc.com to help.
9. Alzheimer Society of Middlesex-London
About 7,000 families in London and area are affected by this disease. Visit http://www.alzheimerlondon.ca for information on donations and volunteer opportunities.
10. Canadian Cancer Society
Odds are you know at least one person in your life who has faced cancer. Be part of getting rid of it. Visit http://cancer.ca under “How You Can Help” — there are tons of options from fundraising to volunteering.
11. Canadian Diabetes Association — London Chapter
Visit http://diabetes.ca for ways to get involved.
12. Canadian Paraplegic Association
Offers products and services for those affected by spinal cord injuries. http://www.canparaplegic.org tells you how you can donate.
13. Children's Health Foundation
The 80-year-old, non-profit raises money for children's health care. Visit http://childrenshealth.ca and help a child out.
14. Children's Museum
Some of you may remember it from childhood, why not help make memories for other kids? They operate mainly on volunteers and it can be as little as an hour a week.
15. Humane Society
Fuzzy critters could always use some extra love — and not just during the holidays. Volunteer or be a foster parent to a new furry friend. http://londonhumanesociety.ca
16. Easter Seal
Helps children, youth and adults with physical disabilities. Take time to volunteer or donate at http://www.easterseals.org
17. Habitat for Humanity
You may go home for the holidays, but not many people get the chance to even have a home. Volunteer, donate or advocate for habitat. Learn more at http://habitat.ca
18. Heart and Stroke Foundation — London-Middlesex
Protect your heart and your loved ones' by volunteering or even just cooking a heart healthy meal for friends. Check out http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca
19. London Food Bank
While you enjoy your holiday feast, think about the 2,000 people the Food Bank helps every year to give them just the necessities. Donate your food, time or dollars at http://web.ca/~londonfb
20. Salvation Army
Started in 1882, the Salvation Army has been dedicated to helping those in need. Want to donate or volunteer? Find the closest location at http://www.salvationarmy.ca
21. United Way
They work to figure out the roots of and solutions to tons of social issues. Be part of some change at http://www.uwlondon.on.ca
22. The Breast Cancer Site
A simple click of your mouse gives free mammograms and the site links you to similar sites for the rainforest, animal rescue, stopping hunger and more. http://thebreastcancersite.com
23. Investing in Kids
They've impacted more than 14,000 kids through the creation of unique opportunities to help them reach their potential. Don't have the cash to donate? They also love volunteers! http://www.investinginchildren.on.ca
24. Your own family!
Help your grandparents with shoveling, help your mom with the holiday baking and don't be too cool to hang out with your younger cousins — they likely look up to you.
25. Regional Mental Health Care
They're always looking for volunteers to help add to the quality of programming and create a sense of community to St. Joseph's. Sign up at http://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/mhl/mhl.htm
26. Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area
Why not make a difference in someone's life? Learn more about volunteering by calling 519-438-7065 or emailing info@bbbsola.org
27. Reforest London
Plant a tree (or 10) and give back to Mother Nature — she's had a rough year. Visit http://www.reforestlondon. ca for more information.
28. None of these suggestions interest you? Visit the Pillar Nonprofit Network and pick from a bunch of volunteer opportunities: http://www.pillarnonprofit.ca
29. Like the library?
Volunteer! Visit http://www.londonpubliclibrary.ca - you can sign up to read with kids or be part of special events at the libraries.
30. Help the FSU by donating to our Adopt-a-Family program!
Cash donation boxes can be found at the following: Interrobang, Biz Booth, FSU Office and the Oasis
31. Be nice
With 2009 behind us and 2010 about to begin — why not try to be a little nicer in the New Year? Be less Kanye, more Taylor Swift because we all know there are too many Kanyes out there.
