There are many ways you can use your time to connect and give back to people in your community. | VIDEO: YURIARCURSPEOPLEIMAGES/ENVATO
TOP 10
Creative Ways to Give Back to Your Community
Making care packages and sharing your time are some ways you can bring comfort to those who need it most.
By Vawn Himmelsbach
In this season of giving, between cozy evenings in and days spent enjoying the crisp, cool weather, explore the many creative ways to uplift friends, neighbours and others in your community — while giving yourself a boost, too. According to World Vision Canada, volunteering and helping others can improve your own well-being, from reducing stress and increasing happiness to building connections and a sense of purpose.
Roxanne Francis, founder and CEO of Francis Psychotherapy & Consulting Services in Pickering, Ont., concurs. “Volunteering and community outreach are helpful for our mental health,” she explains. “When we understand that our time and contributions make a difference in someone's life — or in society in general — it reinforces the feeling that we matter and that our work is valuable.”
Here are a few creative ways to help those around you feel cherished.
➊ Donate blankets to your local animal shelter.
You may not be able to rescue all the pets up for adoption, but you can still provide them with comfort. Donating blankets — whether new, gently used or handmade — can keep animals warm this winter. The Blanket Project accepts donations on behalf of rescues and shelters throughout Ontario.
Blankets can bring warmth and comfort to animals waiting to be adopted. | PHOTO: JENNIMAREEPHOTO/ENVATO
➋ When preparing dinner, make a little extra.
If you enjoy cooking, double up on a recipe and offer a home-cooked meal. Share it with a side of friendly conversation to someone who could use a little extra cheer, be they an elderly neighbour or even a co-worker who’s burning the candle at both ends.
Sharing food and company is a great way to connect with people in your community. | PHOTO: DAISY DAISY/ADOBE STOCK
➌ Put together a care package.
Winter is tough out on the streets for people who have limited means or are experiencing housing insecurity. There are many unhoused women who would benefit from the personal touch of a care package. The Shoebox Project for Women partners with multiple agencies in 20 cities and regions across the province to provide shoeboxes filled with personal hygiene products, self-care gifts and small luxuries, along with a handwritten note of encouragement. Your care package will be delivered to a women’s shelter where the items are needed and appreciated.
Making up care packages is a wonderful way to share much-needed comforts with those who are facing housing insecurity and often don’t have access to anything beyond the bare necessities. | PHOTO: CKSTOCK PHOTO/ENVATO
➍ Start a sharing pantry.
A sharing pantry is a great way to pass on items, from books you’ve enjoyed to non-perishable foods, tiny décor items, crafting supplies or even plants and clippings. Installing a small, enclosed shelf in your front yard provides a communal spot where neighbours can take, trade and leave useful things for each other. You can build your own pantry or commission one from a local artisan. Make sure it’s located on your property, ideally near the sidewalk. Placing it on public or municipal property might require a permit and/or permission. It’s a good idea to winterize it so it’s waterproof and insulated to withstand the elements all year long.
Create your own sharing pantry where members of the community can take and leave items for each other. | PHOTO: ELLASD/SHUTTERSTOCK
➎ Donate your winter warmth crochet and knitting projects to a good cause.
Many shelters and community centres collect toques, scarves, mittens, socks and sweaters to distribute to people who need winter wear. These basics can be expensive, and shelters need a steady supply for those without adequate winter clothing. Toques for Kids ships hand-knitted hats to children in Northern Canada, while Street Knit Toronto collects and distributes warm hand-knitted items to local outreach programs.
Put your knitting and crocheting skills to good use. The hats, scarves, sweaters and mittens you create will bring someone comfort and warmth. | PHOTO: DIANA/ADOBE STOCK
➏ Create period packs.
One in six Canadians who menstruate can’t afford menstrual products, according to advocacy group The Period Purse. This organization creates period packs that include a 30-day supply of menstrual products, distributed to those experiencing period poverty. Donations help people manage a basic need with dignity when the cost of menstrual essentials is beyond their means. The Period Purse accepts donations of both disposable and reusable unopened menstrual products and underwear at its headquarters in Etobicoke, Ont., as well as at various drop-off locations.
Period insecurity is an issue, but there are organizations that collect menstrual products and assemble packages of products with new underwear and other items to overcome the challenge of affording these staples. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE PERIOD PURSE
➐ Volunteer with seniors in your community.
Isolation can be especially hard on seniors in the wintertime. Contact your local senior centre or a non-profit agency such as the Canadian Red Cross to see how you can help. Whether it’s sharing a conversation or a laugh, playing cards with a small group or having some friendly competition over a board game, share your company with those who need it. Don’t be surprised if you enjoy it as much as they do.
Spending time with seniors can be rewarding for everyone. From conversations to card games, there are lots of social activities to share. | PHOTO: ANNA STILLS/ENVATO
➑ Help others with home repairs.
Your skills and time are in high demand. Check in with those close to you — elderly neighbours, parents with a new baby — and cross a task off their list. You could even become a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and help out on a local build or make repairs on an existing home. Even if you’re not handy with tools, you can still make a difference by volunteering at a ReStore. The non-profit retail locations sell home improvement and building supplies, as well as appliances, décor, fixtures and furnishings, with proceeds going to support ongoing builds. Habitat for Humanity has 23 regional offices and 54 ReStores across Ontario.
Offering to work on a household project for someone can help them live more comfortably. | PHOTO: RAWPIXEL.COM/ADOBE STOCK
➒ Try teaching tech.
Not everyone has had the opportunity to learn to use technology. Many seniors, for example, didn’t grow up with computers or use smartphones and never needed them for school or work. Offering to help someone learn the basics can open up their world, from viewing photos of loved ones on Instagram to staying connected through video chats and text messages. Organizations such as Connected Canadians match people in need of digital literacy with those who can teach them. It can give someone a new way to read, learn, communicate and connect.
Teaching people how to use technology can open up a whole new world for them. | PHOTO: MONKEY BUSINESS/ADOBE STOCK
➓ Perform random acts of kindness.
A selfless gesture without expecting anything in return — such as paying for someone’s coffee in the line behind you or offering a kind word to someone who looks like they could use one — can bring a moment of joy to others (and yourself). Need some inspiration? Kind Canada Généreaux promotes intentional acts of kindness through thoughts, words and deeds. Kindness is contagious and can boost happiness, strengthen communities and motivate others to pay it forward. CAA
The little things can mean a lot — from paying for someone’s coffee to offering a kind word or gesture. | PHOTO: MICHAELA ST/UNSPLASH
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The Crochet Club of London Stitches Up Blankets for Those in Need
Blankets can bring warmth and comfort to animals waiting to be adopted. | PHOTO: JENNIMAREEPHOTO/ENVATO
➊ Donate blankets to your local animal shelter.
You may not be able to rescue all the pets up for adoption, but you can still provide them with comfort. Donating blankets — whether new, gently used or handmade — can keep animals warm this winter. The Blanket Project accepts donations on behalf of rescues and shelters throughout Ontario.
Sharing food and company is a great way to connect with people in your community. | PHOTO: DAISY DAISY/ADOBE STOCK
➋ When preparing dinner, make a little extra.
If you enjoy cooking, double up on a recipe and offer a home-cooked meal. Share it with a side of friendly conversation to someone who could use a little extra cheer, be they an elderly neighbour or even a co-worker who’s burning the candle at both ends.
Making up care packages is a wonderful way to share much-needed comforts with those who are facing housing insecurity and often don’t have access to anything beyond the bare necessities. | PHOTO: CKSTOCK PHOTO/ENVATO
➌ Put together a care package.
Winter is tough out on the streets for people who have limited means or are experiencing housing insecurity. There are many unhoused women who would benefit from the personal touch of a care package. The Shoebox Project for Women partners with multiple agencies in 20 cities and regions across the province to provide shoeboxes filled with personal hygiene products, self-care gifts and small luxuries, along with a handwritten note of encouragement. Your care package will be delivered to a women’s shelter where the items are needed and appreciated.
Create your own sharing pantry where members of the community can take and leave items for each other. | PHOTO: ELLASD/SHUTTERSTOCK
➍ Start a sharing pantry.
A sharing pantry is a great way to pass on items, from books you’ve enjoyed to non-perishable foods, small décor items, crafting supplies or even plants and clippings. Installing a small, enclosed shelf in your front yard provides a communal spot where neighbours can take, trade and leave useful things for each other. You can build your own pantry or commission one from a local artisan. Make sure it’s located on your property, ideally near the sidewalk. Placing it on public or municipal property might require a permit and/or permission. It’s a good idea to winterize it so it’s waterproof and insulated to withstand the elements all year long.
Put your knitting and crocheting skills to good use. The hats, scarves sweaters and mittens you create will bring someone comfort and warmth. | PHOTO: DIANA/ADOBE STOCK
➎ Donate your winter warmth crochet and knitting projects to a good cause.
Many shelters and community centres collect toques, scarves, mittens, socks and sweaters to distribute to people who need winter wear. These basics can be expensive, and shelters need a steady supply for those without adequate winter clothing. Toques for Kids ships hand-knitted hats to children in Northern Canada, while Street Knit Toronto collects and distributes warm hand-knitted items to local outreach programs.
Period insecurity is an issue, but there are organizations that collect menstrual products and assemble packages of products with new underwear and other items to overcome the challenge of affording these staples. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE PERIOD PURSE
➏ Create period packs.
One in six Canadians who who menstruate can’t afford menstrual products, according to advocacy group The Period Purse. This organization creates period packs that include a 30-day supply of menstrual products, distributed to those experiencing period poverty. Donations help people manage a basic need with dignity when the cost of menstrual essentials is beyond their means. The Period Purse accepts donations of both disposable and reusable unopened menstrual products and underwear at its headquarters in Etobicoke, Ont., as well as at various drop-off locations.
Spending time with seniors can be rewarding for everyone. From conversations to card games, there are lots of social activities to share. | PHOTO: ANNA STILLS/ENVATO
➐ Volunteer with seniors in your community.
Isolation can be especially hard on seniors in the wintertime. Contact your local senior centre or a non-profit agency such as the Canadian Red Cross to see how you can help. Whether it’s sharing a conversation or a laugh, playing cards with a small group or having some friendly competition over a board game, share your company with those who need it. Don’t be surprised if you enjoy it as much as they do.
Offering to work on a household project for someone can help them live more comfortably. | PHOTO: RAWPIXEL.COM/ADOBE STOCK
➑ Help others with home repairs.
Your skills and time are in high demand. Check in with those close to you — elderly neighbours, parents with a new baby — and cross a task off their list. You could even become a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and help out on a local build or make repairs on an existing home. Even if you’re not handy with tools, you can still make a difference by volunteering at a ReStore. The non-profit retail locations sell home improvement and building supplies, as well as appliances, décor, fixtures and furnishings, with proceeds going to support ongoing builds. Habitat for Humanity has 23 regional offices and 54 ReStores across Ontario.
Teaching people how to use technology can open up a whole new world for them. | PHOTO: MONKEY BUSINESS/ADOBE STOCK
➒ Try teaching tech.
Not everyone has had the opportunity to learn to use technology. Many seniors, for example, didn’t grow up with computers or use smartphones and never needed them for school or work. Offering to help someone learn the basics can open up their world, from viewing photos of loved ones on Instagram to staying connected through video chats and text messages. Organizations such as Connected Canadians match people in need of digital literacy with those who can teach them. It can give someone a new way to read, learn, communicate and connect.
The little things can mean a lot — from paying for someone’s coffee to offering a kind word or gesture. | PHOTO: MICHAELA ST/UNSPLASH
➓ Perform random acts of kindness.
A selfless gesture without expecting anything in return — such as paying for someone’s coffee in the line behind you or offering a kind word to someone who looks like they could use one — can bring a moment of joy to others (and yourself). Need some inspiration? Kind Canada Généreaux promotes intentional acts of kindness through thoughts, words and deeds. Kindness is contagious and can boost happiness, strengthen communities and motivate others to pay it forward. CAA