Looking for a way to make a difference in ÐÔÊӽ紫ý this holiday season? One of the easiest ways to make positive change is to support non-profit organizations.

Non-profit organizations make it their missions to serve specific causes — whether those causes are the environment, a certain demographic of people, animals, schools, or social issues.

Supporting non-profit groups furthers a worthy cause and even benefits those who lend their support. According to Waterford.org, an equitable learning organization, supporting non-profits can lead to a greater sense of happiness, improved mental health and a stronger sense of purpose. Plus, it fosters a greater number of social connections.

There are many different ways to be involved with non-profit groups.

MAKE FINANCIAL DONATIONS

Non-profit organizations require funding to meet their missions. Support from donors can cover operating costs and ensure missions are not stalled or cancelled due to lack of funding. Visit your favourite local non-profit's website to find out how to volunteer. 

ENGAGE IN PEER-TO-PEER FUNDRAISING

Sharing information about an organization with others and asking them to support the non-profit is known as peer-to-peer fundraising. This can happen by word-of-mouth advertising on social media, asking for fundraising for a cause in lieu of traditional birthday or special event gifts, or sharing flyers or other advertisements around town. This type of fundraising is especially valuable because it does not require non-profit organizations to allocate their own resources in order to generate donations.

PARTICIPATE IN OR ATTEND AN EVENT

Even if you cannot donate or sponsor an event, you can still be involved. Showing up to support a cause can help raise awareness and inspire non-profit workers and volunteers.

Whether you’re a private citizen, an employer or a business owner, you can support non-profit groups in ÐÔÊӽ紫ý in any or all of the above ways — and reap the rewards that such support produces. 

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas:

Local causes to support this holiday season

Donate to your local food banks

Especially around the Christmas season, food banks are in need of donations. ÐÔÊӽ紫ý is home to many including the , , , and .

ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Christmas Bureau

Donation drop-offs until Dec. 23, Monday to Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Toy Depot (13665 102 Ave, ÐÔÊӽ紫ý, BC V3T 1N7). The organization welcomes donations of new, unwrapped toys and/or lightly used coats and shoes. 

Karmin Dhindsa, Christmas Bureau co-ordinator, said they especially need gifts for teens. "So for teens, gift ideas include makeup kits, any sort of hair accessories. We also have a Sporty Elves program to encourage sports-related gifts from local sports teams and organizations, like soccer balls and gear, basketball, clothing."

Winter clothing drive for ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Urban Mission

The ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Crime Prevention Society is partnering with ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Urban Mission for their winter clothing drive. New or lightly used jackets, large hoodies, boots and shoes, gloves and mittens, socks and toques can be dropped off at 15-12484 82 Ave. Monday to Fridayi from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Socks For A Cause

New socks can be dropped off until Dec. 12, with all socks going to Sources Food Bank. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Abilities Neurological Rehabilitation, 5460 152 St., ÐÔÊӽ紫ý;

• Chestnut house, 4576 55B St., Delta;

• Crossroads Community Inclusion, 4807 Georgia St., Delta;

• Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2350 148 St., ÐÔÊӽ紫ý;

• Physiomoves ÐÔÊӽ紫ý Panorama, #110-5260 152 St., ÐÔÊӽ紫ý;

• Physiomoves Ocean Park, 1599 128 St., ÐÔÊӽ紫ý;

• RBC 1586 Johnston Rd., Unit 1, White Rock;

• UNITI North campus, 13550 77 Ave., ÐÔÊӽ紫ý; and

• UNITI South campus, 15306 24 Ave., ÐÔÊӽ紫ý.

Alex House Holiday Hamper

All items must be new and non-expired. Donations can be dropped off on Dec. 17 by 3 p.m. at Alex House (2916 McBride Ave) or Kensington Prairie Community Centre.

What can you donate? Health and beauty Products: shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. Canned Foods: Soups, veggies, fruits; Baking Supplies: flour, sugar, baking soda, and more to inspire holiday treats; Dry Goods: rice, pasta, lentils, cereal, etc. and Grocery Gift Cards.

RainCity Foxglove

Donations can be dropped off at any time at 9810 Foxglove Drive. They are specifically looking for new or gently used socks, jackets, boots, shoes, pants, hoodies, toques, gloves, blankets, safety blankets, and sleeping bags. New hand and foot warmers, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and chapstick can also be donated.

Cloverdale Community Kitchen Hamper:

Drop off all donations at the back doors of Shannon Hall, Cloverdale Fairgrounds: 6050 176 Street.

This year they are short on gift cards for teens and seniors, specifically asking for $50 Happy Teen gift cards for teens and $25 gift cards for seniors. They are also accepting: Non-Perishable Food Donations (Monday – Thursday), Gently Used Clothing, Small Household Items & Toys for their Free Store (Monday – Friday) and New Toy Donations & Stocking Stuffer Items (Monday & Tuesday).

Clothing for shelters

Donations can be dropped off at Peace Portal Alliance Church, located at 152 Street and King George Boulevard, Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations including cold weather jackets and coats that are weather-resistant, sweatpants, jeans, and rain pants. Other clothing items include hoodies, sweatshirts, sweaters and T-shirts, boots and shoes.