If you’re looking to give back this holiday season, or throughout the year, these organizations do so much impactful work for causes close to our hearts, whether it’s on a local, national or global scale.
From shelters and food banks for community members in need of support, to worldwide movements for gender equality and education for girls, these organizations are always looking for support through donations, and many are open to volunteers as well.
For more than 40 years, the Red Door Family Shelter has provided emergency shelter and support for women and children affected by domestic abuse, refugees, and families in crisis with nowhere else to turn. The Red Door has grown to become one of the largest family shelters in Toronto, providing shelter and support to over 350 families every year, from housing and child care to counselling, legal and immigration assistance.
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
The Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic provides free legal services, as well as counselling and interpretation, to marginalized and racialized women and gender-diverse people who have survived violence or abuse. Accessing these services at no cost can be life-changing—experts at the clinic can help with navigating criminal law, family law, immigration & refugee law, and more.
Sistering is a multi-service agency for at-risk, socially isolated women and trans people in Toronto who are homeless or precariously housed. They offer a 24/7 drop-in, hot meals, crisis intervention and trauma-informed counselling, social and housing support, mental health case support and more. Their programs and services are vital to so many marginalized community members looking for a safe and supportive space.
More than 120 million girls around the world are not in school today because of barriers to education such as conflict, poverty, and discrimination. The Malala Fund invests in education activists in regions where most girls are missing out on secondary school, advocating for resources and policy changes and giving young girls all over the world the opportunity to get the education they deserve.
Native Women’s Association of Canada
The NWAC works to promote healing and economic opportunities for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQAI+ people in Canada. Some of the programs they offer include skills and employment training, an entrepreneurial outreach program, climate resilience, and trauma-informed resources—all initiatives that can meaningfully change the lives of people in Indigenous communities.
HeForShe is a solidarity movement from UN Women, inviting everyone to advocate for gender equality and fight against sexual harassment and gender-based violence. By working to dismantle gender stereotypes and including all genders in their movement, HeForShe is making a worldwide impact for equality that benefits all of humanity.
The 519 is dedicated to uplifting and supporting Toronto’s queer community. As a LGBTQ2SIA+ community hub, they offer a variety of services that help support the queer community, including anti-violence initiatives, financial and legal services, as well as mentorship opportunities, queer-led and queer-focused events, youth groups and more. The 519 is always a safe, inclusive and non-judgemental space for the queer community, and that’s something worth supporting.
For 50 years, Nellie’s has provided shelter, education and advocacy for women and children experiencing homelessness, violence and poverty in Toronto. This long-running feminist organization offers a variety of programs and services, and is committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression.
The Rotary Tree of Remembrance
At Yonge-Dundas Square this December, The Rotary Club of Toronto is fundraising for local organizations while remembering lost loved ones. The 40 foot tall Tree of Remembrance is adorned with yellow ribbons in honour of friends and family living or deceased over this holiday season. Donate to add your own ribbon and message to the tree, and support Toronto charities such as Daily Bread Food Bank, Sherbourne Health, and Sprint Senior Care.
#LightTheWorld Giving Machines
The Giving Machine is a vending machine for good, providing an easy way for anyone to donate warm clothing, meals, sports equipment, hygiene items, school kits and more to the charity of their choosing. Now available in Toronto at the CF Fairview Mall, The Giving Machine is partnering with local and global charities that are supporting children, youth and refugees, and addressing homelessness, including Daily Bread Food Bank, Jays Care Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Covenant House Toronto, The Riverwood Conservancy, CARE Canada, and UNICEF Canada.
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