The holiday season usually triggers people’s generosity, which is handy since it’s also the time of year when charity needs are at their highest.
The City of Toronto has published its annual
holiday wish list of agencies looking for contributions ranging from volunteers to specific donation items, not to mention cash. This year 59 organizations working with homeless and marginalized communities have put themselves out there for additional assistance.
“It’s that time of year when we think about people who have much bigger challenges that we do,” says Alanna Scott, development and campaign director at
Eva’s Initiatives. All three of organization’s locations, which together provide shelter for 114 of Toronto’s estimated 2,000 homeless youth, are on the list. Although the shelters are full year round, “in winter, the cold weather makes it feel more urgent,” she says.
Along with volunteers to “man the doors,” Eva’s Initiatives are looking for gift cards for affordable restaurants, new bath towels, linens and new winter clothing. “A lot of what we’re looking for are very basic items, hygiene products like toothpaste and soap, but it’s also nice to have a gesture of gift giving,” says Scott.
Eva’s Initiatives run a commercial print shop as part of a program to provide basic work experience to young people, providing spots for six youth to learn about the fundamentals of print. As a seasonal fundraiser, the print shops offer a holiday card service. Customers pick a card, provide a greeting and a mailing list and let the program take care of the mail out. The cards have winter-themed artwork that was designed by the youth.
The full list of agencies looking for help is
here.
Writer: Paul Gallant
Source: Alanna Scott