The holiday season is a difficult time for many. There is a constant barrage of advertising in all media encouraging you to spend money on gifts. But what if you have no money for food, let alone for gifts? For many Torontonians just staying alive is an arduous task. There are many worthwhile organizations that do great works helping people all over the world in their time of need. But, I think that sometimes we are so moved by seeing the photo of a poor, starving African baby that we forget that we have babies right here in Toronto that are starving too. So I’ve put together a little list of places in Toronto that do great work locally and could use your help. This list is by no means complete. I know that they are many great organizations in Toronto that are worthy. I would appreciate you sending in any other local organizations that you’d like us to write about. Please remember how lucky you are and give generously.

Happy 41th Anniversary to the CHUMCity Christmas Wish! Last year, with your donations and the help of RBC Royal Bank, and in conjunction with the City of Toronto Community and Neighbourhood Social Services, CHUMCity Christmas wish helped over 300,000 children and families in need of assistance. Follow the link below to learn how you can help.
http://www.thewish.ca/wishCore.cfm

The Toronto Paramedic Association and Toronto EMS are collecting donations of non-perishable food items at EMS stations and offices which they will deliver to the Daily Bread Food Bank on Friday, December 15th. Please donate generously. For more information about the Toronto Paramedic Association, follow the link below. http://www.torontoparamedicassociation.com

For more information on the Daily Bread Food Bank call
416-203-0050 or follow the link below.
http://www.dailybread.ca

The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto has a Holiday Season Program that organizes the TOY ROOM to distribute toys, clothing, and gift certificates to children and families in need. Please try to make the holiday season a little brighter for children in need. Follow the link below to learn how.
http://www.torontocas.ca/2007/02/12/donations/

A little money can go a long way. Perhaps this year consider that in lieu of a gift to a relative, friend, or colleague that you make a donation in their honour to the Toronto Canadian Mental Health Association’s Holiday Gift Program instead. Did you know that for a mere $22 a man or women who is living with a mental illness will receive a gift package containing a warm item like socks, gloves or a fleece blanket and a variety of personal care products like chapstick, hand lotion and shampoo? Your honoree will receive a gift card letting them know that a gift has been given on their behalf and you will receive an income tax charitable donation receipt. What a great way to share the true meaning of the holiday season! Follow the link below and give a truly meaningful gift this year.
http://www.toronto.cmha.ca/c_join_us_donate/ju_donate_in_honour.asp

Since 1906, the Toronto Star’s Santa Claus Fund has raised money and delivered gift boxes to children in need throughout the GTA. Follow the link below to find out how to contribute to this worthy cause.
http://www.thestar.com/santaclausfund

Many of you already know about the wonderful work done by the dedicated members of the Salvation Army. I’m sure that you are used to seeing them all over Toronto with their Christmas Kettles trying to raise money for those less fortunate. Did you know that you can donate to the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle online?