How To Be A Caring Neighbour This Holiday Season

The spirit of giving is in the air, yet the holidays can be a very difficult time for those facing challenges. Whether it’s a family worried about making ends meet, a survivor seeking support, or a youth without a safe place to sleep, many are doing their best to get by without the resources they need. 

Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) is once again launching their annual Caring Neighbours campaign (now through December 31), encouraging the community to help FSGV support vulnerable individuals and families this holiday season—and every day of the year. This year’s campaign aims to raise $250,000. And, all donations will have double the impact as an anonymous donor will be matching all donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $125,000.

Other incredible charities to consider supporting this holiday season:

• Pathways Clubhouse – A Richmond-based non-profit supporting individuals living with mental illness through inclusive, recovery-focused programs that prioritize housing, employment, education, and social connection.
• Arts Umbrella – Canada’s leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to youth arts education. The organization serves approx. 20,000 youth each year, with nearly 75% of programming offered at no cost due to donor support. Make a donation or purchase tickets to Mixed Nuts, their coveted holiday production (a modern twist on The Nutcracker) taking place at the Vancouver Playhouse from Dec. 12-14.
• Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre – A non-profit dedicated to providing a safe, non-judgmental environment for self-identifying women (cis, trans, 2S), from all walks of life. DEWC provides supportive surroundings with meals, counseling, advocacy, and programs which nurture and empower their members. Support this season through monetary donations, donating goods through their holiday gift drive, or by volunteering.
• Urban Spirit Foundation – A non-profit that’s dedicated to securing the long term prosperity, self-sufficiency and sustainability of the Indigenous community in Metro Vancouver. The organization runs a seasonal holiday program, giving food hampers and gifts to Indigenous families during the holidays.
• Sher Pride – A charity focused on LGBTQ+ South Asian people and their friends, families and allies. They run peer support, crisis counseling, community events, and leadership development.
• Hogan’s Alley Society – A non-profit organization composed of civil rights activists, business professionals, community organizations, artists, writers and academics committed to daylighting the presence of Black history in Vancouver and throughout BC.
• Vancouver Chinatown Foundation – A charity founded in 2011 to honour a culture and community established in Vancouver more than 135 years ago. The organization is characterized by a spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and a passion to help the revitalization of Chinatown, the historic heart of Vancouver.