We have connected with a few local charities that are doing amazing work for families and have listed them below. With the holidays around the corner and Covid, it has been a difficult time for many people. Hopefully we can spread a little cheer for those that are in need. They’re still looking for donations, presents, and volunteers – so it’s not too late to participate.
 | Baby Go Round BabyGoRound collects gently used baby gear — strollers, high chairs, infant carriers, clothing, nursing pillows, and other nursery items — cleans them and makes sure everything is in good working order, purchases new items as needed — cribs and breast pumps — and then distributes the items to families who are identified by a large network of health and social service organizations. |
| Backpack Buddies At Backpack Buddies, we tackle the hidden crisis of child hunger in B.C. While vulnerable students may take advantage of school-based meal programs during the week, few supports exist on weekends, when many kids suffer in secret. Our community of donors, volunteers and caring partners address this crisis by discreetly providing bags of food to students in need every Friday, with enough meals and snacks to last the entire weekend. Backpack Buddies reaches out to hungry kids across B.C. with the food they need to learn and grow. Since the start of the pandemic we have increase our support from 1300 children per week to almost 3000. |  |
 | BC Children’s Hospital Foundation As the only hospital in the province specializing exclusively in the care of children, BC Children’s Hospital provides care for more than 96,000 kids a year—many of them battling devastating diseases and chronic conditions. Your generosity will support the three critical areas that are needed to advance the quest to conquer childhood illnesses: ground breaking research to uncover new therapies and ways to treat diseases, technologies to enable experts to deliver the most effective care, and kid-focused care that meets the physical, emotional and psychological needs of kids. Through the power of philanthropy, we know this vision is possible. What if you helped? More info on BC Children’s Hospital and how to donate: https://www.bcchf.ca/ |
| Canucks Autism Network Since March, Canucks Autism Network has developed 21 weekly virtual programs, filling over 1,000 program spots for kids, youth & adults on the autism spectrum. Ranging from pre-recorded videos to live programs hosted on Zoom, programs have included Virtual Hockey, Movement, Art Club, Movie Club and more. Meanwhile, in-person programs are being gradually reintroduced in strict alignment with ongoing provincial health orders. With ample virtual opportunities and a comprehensive safety plan for in-person programs, CAN is able to continue impacting its members across BC during this difficult time. Canucks Autism Network (CAN) is dedicated to providing programs to individuals on the spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond. Donate today: canucksautism.ca/give |   |
 | Greater Vancouver Food Bank The Greater Vancouver Food Bank was set up as a temporary relief to the hunger crisis in 1983. 37 years later, our goal is to meet the continued need for our services with strong food quality, more food for individuals and families to take home, and specialized nutrition programs built for children. Today, in the midst of a global pandemic with more new clients coming to us for support, this goal has not changed. We provide healthy food to those in need in two ways: directly to 6,000 people weekly across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and the North Shore; and, to 15,000 people through the 80+ Community Agency Partners. we provide food to each week. |
 | KidsPlay Foundation Kids Play Foundation is a registered non-profit charity organization committed towards keeping kids away from the lifestyle of drugs, gangs, and violence, by reinforcing a sense of belonging and self-worth in vulnerable youth. Thus far, with over 700 volunteer members, spearheading over 120 projects and 200 events, Kids Play has impacted over 75,000 youth through our free programs since our inception in 2015. |
| Mamas for Mamas Vancouver Mamas for Mamas is a national charitable organization that supports mothers and caregivers in crisis by providing ongoing support to individuals and families facing various poverty-related struggles. Our mission is to change the landscape of poverty through innovative approaches to financial barriers faced by struggling families. While our name is Mamas for Mamas, we welcome caregivers of any gender identity or expression, including men, trans*, non-binary, and two-spirit clients. We envision a future where no Mama or child is left behind. |  |
 | Mom2Mom Mom2Mom aims to help keep Vancouver families intact by connecting moms living in poverty with a community of women who can offer practical and emotional support. Mom2Mom offers programs and services that alleviate the stress of poverty by supporting moms to provide for their families, build their careers, and increase stability and confidence. We truly believe that when moms thrive, children thrive. |
| The KidSafe Project Society School is the centre of the universe for many children. It’s where they learn, play, eat, make friends, discover role models, develop life-long social skills and find help if a crisis arises. These essential services cease to be available for vulnerable children when schools close for break and during emergencies like the current COVID 19 pandemic. The result is that vulnerable children are left with nowhere to go, nothing to eat, and no one to turn to when schools are closed. Winter break at KidSafe usually looks a certain way – like any big family we take our traditions seriously. 2020 has been hard on us, but it has been especially tough on our kids. They have shown incredible strength and resilience and deserve the best we can give them. Logistically, this winter will be KidSafe’s biggest challenge yet. To this we need your help. |  |
| The Vancouver Shoebox Project The Shoebox Project for Women collects and distributes gift-filled Shoeboxes to women impacted by homelessness in communities across Canada, the US and the UK. Each Shoebox is filled with items that would help any woman feel special: make-up, skin care products, good quality soaps and shampoos, chocolates, and warm socks and mittens, to name a few suggested items. Since 2011, The Shoebox Project has distributed over 245,000 gifts valued at over $12 million dollars. Last year in Vancouver region, we delivered over 2800 gifts to women in need over the holiday season, as a powerful reminder that they have not been forgotten and that they are not alone. This year, due to the impact of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to suspend our physical Shoebox gift collection and distribution. As an alternative, supporters interested in donating a holiday gift directly to a local woman living in a shelter still have several opportunities to do so, including making a monetary donation, donating a gift card, or making a “Virtual Shoebox” on our website. In a year defined by isolation, the solidarity and affirmation provided by these donations could make the world of difference for someone spending their holidays in a shelter. |  |
