Tuesday, November 18, 2014
You don’t have to wait until Christmas to give back to the community but it’s a good place to start. This holiday season, take an extra step to help out those you can.
Packing Lunches
As of March 2014, there are nearly 10,000 homeless people in Alberta excluding the hidden homeless community, which consists of those who avoid the homeless-serving system, according to
Alberta Human Services. Notorious for its harsh winters and heavy snowfall, homeless Albertans struggle to make it through the treacherous season. With an empty stomach, the fight doesn’t get any easier. Send a little warmth this holiday by treating a person on the street to a warm lunch. If you prepare your own lunches, pack a little extra and give it to someone on your way to school or work.
Care Kits
Care packages are great practical items to hand out. In a resealable bag, pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, chapstick, gloves, socks, water, granola bars, crackers, or any other helpful items you can think of. But you don’t have to do this alone. Recruit a local business or check with your school or company and see if you can organize a donation box for these items. After assembly, you can hand them out yourself or bring them to a
shelter for distribution.
Volunteer
Food banks, shelters, soup kitchens, churches, and other charitable organizations are always looking for volunteers. Donate food, clothing, or your time to help out this holiday and put a smile on someone’s face.
Holiday Blood Drive
Less than 4% of all eligible Canadians donate blood each year. This December, find a clinic close to you and help save a life. Did you know it takes at least 2 donors to help someone through a bone marrow transplant or go through brain surgery, 8 donors a week for someone going through leukemia, and 50 donors a week for victims of car accidents?
Click here to make an appointment or
here to find a clinic close to you.