The holiday season is here, and with it comes a time for joy, togetherness, and giving! While it's a season of celebration for many, it can also be a challenging time for others for a variety of reasons. This year, we're shining a light on local organizations that are working tirelessly to provide support to those in need. If you are looking for meaningful ways to give back, we'd love to highlight a range of resources to help you make a positive impact. Together, let's spread some warmth and kindness to brighten the holidays for everyone within our community
Here are some local non-profit charities and organizations to support this coming holiday season:
Christmas Angels: Spreading Holiday Cheer to Those in Need
Volunteer Nanaimo’s Christmas Angels program brings warmth and joy to less fortunate families, seniors, and vulnerable youth during the holiday season. Through the generosity of our community, this initiative helps create meaningful Christmas experiences for those who need it most.
Last year, Christmas Angels touched nearly 500 households, positively impacting over 1,500 individuals. Whether you choose to adopt a family or an individual, your support can make a lasting difference. To make giving easier, volunteers can even specify a budget, and a family or individual will be matched accordingly.
Ways to Give:
1. Adopt a Family or Individual – Help provide gifts and essentials.
2. Donate Personal Hygiene Items or Gift Cards – Small gift cards ($10+) are highly valued.
3. Support a Fresh Food Box – A $15 donation provides fresh food through Nanaimo Foodshare for those not adopted by the program.
For more information or to get involved: call 250-758-7121 or email [email protected]
Website: https://www.volunteernanaimo.ca/christmas-angels-2024/
The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive: Bringing Joy to Local Families
As the largest and longest operating Toy Drive in Nanaimo – this wonderful organization works with those kind-hearted individuals within our community who are able and willing to offer either their valuable time or generous donations. The program provides families in need with toys, books, puzzles, stocking stuffers and more. Serving the communities of Nanaimo, Cedar, Cassidy and Lantzville – the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive is a well-known light within our community that continues to spread joy and brighten the lives of countless children. For more information, please visit the website linked below.
Website: https://thegreatnanaimotoydrive.ca/
Mamas for Mamas: Supporting Local Mothers, Building Stronger Communities
Mamas for Mamas Nanaimo was founded as a non-profit organization to support local mothers through a Facebook community focused on kindness, trades, and donations rather than money. The group offers emotional support and practical assistance while helping families access existing resources and filling service gaps. They collaborate with other non-profits and provide access to services like social work support. Currently operating from storage units in Nanaimo and Parksville, they aspire to establish a permanent location to better serve the community. Their vital work relies on the generous volunteers and donors within our community. Contributions of all kinds—from food and essential supplies to land donations—help sustain and expand their mission. For more details on how and where to donate, visit the website below.
Website: https://www.mamasformamas.org/nanaimo/
Risebridge: Supporting Our Community, One Step at a Time
Risebridge is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing food, shelter, and essential resources to those in need within our community. As winter brings harsh weather conditions, your support can make a world of difference. Donations of warm jackets, sturdy shoes, and survival essentials—such as tents, umbrellas, sleeping bags and more can offer comfort and protection to those facing the cold. Every contribution helps provide safety and dignity to those experiencing hardship. For more details on how and where to donate, visit the website below.
Email Contact: [email protected]
Website: https://www.risebridgeproject.ca/support
Haven Society: Empowering Survivors, Rebuilding Lives
The Haven Society is a non-profit organization committed to providing safety, support, and healing for women, children, youth, and families affected by domestic violence. As an anti-violence organization, the Haven Society strives to offer secure shelter, foster meaningful change, raise awareness, and deliver essential services to those in need. Every contribution supports vital programs and resources that help survivors rebuild their lives and create a future free from violence. For more information and ways to donate, please visit the linked website below!
More Information: https://www.havensociety.com/donations
Let’s come together to support those who need it most within our community. Whether you’re donating time, goods, or funds, every act of kindness can make a significant impact. From brightening the holidays for local families to providing essential resources to those facing hardship, your generosity will help create a stronger, more compassionate community. Explore the organizations and programs listed above to find the perfect way to give back this December. Together, we can spread warmth, joy, and hope to those in need—now and throughout the year.