The Holiday Season: A Time for Giving Back

The holiday season sparks so many emotions in us, but mainly the spirit of love and giving. This time of year, we step up our cooking and baking game so we can give, share and enjoy with others, and you can’t forget about all of the shopping! It’s also a time to appreciate and give back to those around us. No matter how you look at it, it’s a season for the outpouring of love and charity.

While giving can be done throughout the year, now is the time that many of us tend to focus on helping others, whether it’s volunteering our time, or in the form of a monetary donation to an organization close to your heart.

Since my daughter had her heart procedure at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton when she was just a toddler, I always donate to this foundation each year. I’m so very grateful for their services which was crucial to my daughter’s health. I give back continually because they give the sickest kids the best chance, anywhere in the world, to live a long and healthy life.

The Stollery Children’s Hospital, 2006

In addition to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, I support the Heart and Stroke Foundation. This charity is also near and dear to my heart since it’s the complications of these health problems that took my own parents when I was young. When giving to this foundation, you’re helping to prevent and reduce disability and death from heart disease and stroke through research, health promotion and advocacy.

The thing is, when we typically think of which charities we want to support, usually the bigger ones or the ones that are most advertised come to mind. While it is wonderful to support those charities near and dear to your heart, it’s important to know what your charitable options are.

This is where CanadaHelps comes in! is a non-profit and registered organization dedicated to increasing charitable giving across Canada. Did you know there are over 85,000 registered charities in Canada? They are a one-stop shop for discovering, donating, or fundraising online for any registered Canadian charity. And, best of all, they instantly email you your tax receipt after you make a donation and provide a tool for getting it again if you misplace it before tax time.

When browsing CanadaHelps, I love that you can search for a cause by name, location or even category – so that you can find one close to your heart. Under Social Services I found the Boys and Girls Club of Red Deer, a local organization that empowers children and youth to develop confidence and skills for life through knowledge, healthy relationships and quality experiences. My oldest helped this organization recently, with their annual haunted house fundraiser which was both successful for the cause and fun for the community. So, I’m very happy to support their other programs and services through donation.

This holiday season, allow your heart to grow 3 sizes and dive into the giving spirit. Find a Charity on CanadaHelps and give – yet don’t forget to spread the word to others looking to make a difference this holiday season.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, yet as always all opinions are my own.