The Importance of Giving Back

You’ve probably heard that it is better to give than to receive.  While I definitely like getting gifts, this is something that I do believe to be true.  Personally, I get a high from picking out the perfect gift and seeing the recipient’s reaction, especially in the Christmas season.

Giving goes beyond gifts though.  It is also important to give to people less fortunate than you, and who really need the help.  Seeing people’s generosity this time of year is another reason why Christmas is my favourite holiday.  I love seeing the toy mountains building up, the teddy bears being thrown at hockey games, and the many other ways that people give back.

Christmas is a magical season, but for some it can be difficult.  This is why it is so important to give back this time of year.  I’ve listed some suggestions for ways you can give back below, but also look for ways that you can give back in your own community or with people who are close to you!

Gifts that Give Back

ME To WE

ME to WE allows consumers to make a difference by purchasing products that make an impact!

Each of these supports education in Free The Children communities.

This necklace is handmade by a woman in Kenya, empowering her to earn a fair wage for her work.

One of these bracelets provides access to healthcare!

Burt's Bees

Burt's Bees has collaborated with Pollinator Partnership to promote the health of bees and their importance to society.  With Pollinator Partnership, Burt's Bees created the Honeybee Health Improvement Project to reward annual research grants for the improvement of honeybee health.

I found all these on Amazon but you can find Burt's Bees products in stores like Superstore, Walmart, Shopper Drug Mart and more!  They make perfect stocking stuffers!

Alex and Ani

Alex and Ani collaborates with a variety of organizations to create designs for their project, Charity by Design.  Proceeds from each bracelet go towards a specific cause.

Proceeds go to the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

Proceeds go to Plan International.

Proceeds go to Toys for Tots.

S'well

S'well was launched with the mission to rid the world of plastic water bottles, but it has also partnered with UNICEF USA.  Since 2015, it has donated $800,000.  S'well wants to ensure that everyone in the world has access to clean water.  This year, they are focusing on Madagascar.  Shop they're fun designs below!

Donate

Give back to causes that make an impact in the lives of others!  There are so many worthy causes.  I've listed a few that are prominent around the holidays and that are important to me.  Click the names of the organizations to donate.

• Toys for Tots
• Salvation Army
• Make-A-Wish Canada
• Operation Christmas Child
• Cystic Fibrosis Canda
• Crohn's and Colitis Canada
• Heart and Stroke Foundation

Volunteer

If you have any spare time this holiday season, consider volunteering at a local organization.  I've listed a few suggestions below.

• Local Foodbank
• Animal Shelters
• Homeless Shelters
• Retirement Homes

Other Suggestions

• If you know a family that is struggling to make ends meet, do a little holiday shopping for them.  Get some gifts for them to put under their tree.  And to make it even more special, do it anonymously, from the Christmas elves!
• Help out your neighbours!  Even just a simple gesture, such as shoveling their driveway, can go a long way.
• Do some Christmas baking to give to your coworkers, friends, and family.
• Pay it forward.  Next time you're in line at Tim Hortons, buy a coffee for the person behind you!

I hope that if you haven’t already found some way to give back this year, this article inspires you.  But don’t stop giving back once the holiday season is over!  While misfortunes are more apparent around the holidays, there are causes needing help all year round. There are many ways to give back throughout the year, whether it be monetary or not.  I personally am a committee member of the Peterborough Cystic Fibrosis Chapter.  I design the local promotional materials, as well as help in running and organizing local events.

If you are still looking for the perfect Christmas present, or even just looking for some way that you can give back, buy tickets to the Saves 4 CF game with the Peterborough Petes on February 10, 2018.  Details are on the poster below.  If you would like tickets, contact Candace at the address below or contact me (either by Facebook or email).  I hope to see you there!