2020 has been a strange year for many of us. It has affected all of us in unique ways. The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating for some industries while others are having a banner year. I feel fortunate and blessed that my family, friends and colleagues are healthy, safe and for the most part doing ok. It’s my hope that you are doing ok or better than ok – physically, financially, spiritually and mentally. This month, I’ll take a break from my Monthly Giveaway and instead be making a donation towards The Marc Lalonde Memorial Foundation which was set up this week on behalf of a fellow colleague in the mortgage industry who lost his life. Although I didn’t know him personally, he was a mentor and a leader in our industry who impacted many, many lives.
It’s with this in mind, on Giving Tuesday I wanted to highlight the ways we can give back to support our community and celebrate generosity. It is a sentiment that is even more important this year. Of course there are so many charitable organizations who could use our monetary donations, so by all means pick one that is close to your heart however these are a few ideas which don’t necessarily involve straight monetary donations.
1. Support Local – If you’re going to purchase gifts or gift cards, support an independent restaurant Cold Tea, La Bodega or The Parlour are a few favorites, a start-up bakery (Best Kind Bakeshop), a local artist (Nima Stoneware, Englebert Romero or Draw Me Mollie), a local attraction (Capilano Suspension Bridge or a local shop (Presidio). Think Local!
2. Holiday Meal Help – If you’re looking to take a break from cooking over the holidays, but still want something festive, check out local caterers The Pacific Yacht or Emelle’s Catering who are providing turkey dinners without all the work. Want to add some fun libations – check out The Bar Cart who can deliver creative cocktails to your door.
3. Stocking Stuffers for Seniors – The holidays can be an extremely lonely time for seniors who live alone, why not brighten someone’s day by visiting a London Drugs location near you and picking up a gift tag for a senior who could use some cheer. Details can be found here.
4. Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau – Given that many of their drives have been cancelled this year and the number of people who are unemployed, I imagine there will be a large number of families who will be reaching out to them. They typically have a high need for gifts for tweens and teenagers. As an individual who was a recipient of a Christmas Hamper as a young child when my own dad was laid off I remember the day we received the hamper filled with food and presents. I remember sitting on our stairs unpacking the box of goodies and presents and how happy it made my sisters and I.
5. Donate Blood – This one doesn’t cost you a dime and the need for blood is constant so book an appointment before the holidays!
6. Bring a smile to a neighbour – Deliver home-made cookies and a Christmas Card to a senior or Individual that you know lives alone in your building/neighbourhood. Bonus points for those of you that have children and can have the kids draw a picture. You can bring so much joy and a smile to someone with this small gesture, especially if they have been in isolation for months and months.
7. YMCA Holiday Giving Programs – Sponsor a family through Presents of Peace or make a donation to Simplify the Season.
8. Christmas Backpack Program with Covenant House – Participate in their Christmas Backpack program so that homeless youth can receive a backpack full of gifts for the holidays. To make it easy, Covenant House has a Wishlist on Amazon where you can purchase the much needed items which will then be shipped directly to the organization for distribution.
9. Reduce, Recycle & Reuse – If you’re refreshing your home and need to dispose of your furniture, donate it to Homestart who help people re-establish a home.
10. Connect with a friend/colleague/family member. As we move through the 2nd phase of COVID and we are in various stages of lockdown across the country, a phone call, a text message or a Facetime to say Hi could be the thing that someone needs most at that moment. I always have a hesitation about picking up the phone as I don’t want to disrupt someone’s day however when a friend calls me out of the blue it makes me feel awesome to connect. As most of us continue to work from home sometimes you need a friendly voice to break up the monotony of Groundhog Day that we have been living in for the last 9 months.
On that note, although it’s early and only December 1st let me be the first to wish you the Happiest of Holidays during this very interesting year. From my family to yours we wish you a healthy, happy and safe Holiday Season and that 2021 will be a better year than the last. If ever you want to connect via a phone call, text or Facetime for a chat, don’t hesitate to reach out. Rest assured in the weeks/months to come I’ll be connecting with you to do just that – check in, say hi and offer help in any way I can.
I would love to hear from you about how you have been able to give back to your community.
Kindest regards,
Kimberly