It’s been a tough year and many families are feeling the pinch. Why not gift something to someone that makes a bigger impact? Here are some unique ways to give back to others this holiday season.
For 23 years now, the Montreal Science Centre’s Foundation’s mission has been crucial: to help future generations discover, understand, and appropriate science and technology to build their future. To continue its work, the Foundation relies on donations from both companies and individuals alike. Over 90% of the funds raised annually by the Foundation are reinvested in the financing and development of permanent exhibitions and school programs at the Montréal Science Centre. They offer free tickets to school groups and organizations in underprivileged areas. For the 2023-24 school year, over 4,000 tickets have already been distributed, allowing more than 1,000 special needs students to experience their Science Centre on the Road program in their classrooms.
As the holiday season approaches, the Montreal SPCA has gift ideas on the shared theme of solidarity with animals. You can help animals in need by purchasing children’s books, a calendar for the whole family, and clothing featuring their star rescue dog, Angie. Your donation could also be matched, in honour of a loved one. “2023 has been a busy year!” said Laurence Massé, executive director of the Montreal SPCA, in a media release. “We rescued animals affected by forest fires, found creative ways of responding to rising numbers of abandoned animals and conducted large-scale public awareness campaigns. From January through October, 12,070 animals came through our shelter and benefited from one of our programs.”
This year’s Collectible Starlight Bear comes just in time for the giving season. In partnership with Toys”R”Us Canada, Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada recently introduced Speedy, the 15th Anniversary Collectible Starlight Bear, which was designed, from the ears to the paws, by 6-year-old Christopher, who was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). Speedy was inspired by Christopher’s love for race cars and Drive For Smiles – one of his favourite Starlight Canada events where he rides in super cool cars! Knowing that strength can be found in our uniqueness, the rainbow tie represents acceptance of all. Speedy’s dangly limbs symbolize Christopher’s own arms and leg being stuck in extension at birth, while the bright blue eyes are representative of AMC awareness. Proceeds from the sale of Speedy will help Starlight Canada continue to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families, just like Christopher’s. You can purchase Speedy at any Toys”R”Us Canada or Babies”R”Us Canada store or online at toysrus.ca.
As the holiday season approaches, Breakfast Club of Canada is launching its new Fuelling The Future with a nutritious breakfast campaign to highlight the importance of nourishing the potential of tomorrow’s adults, especially in a difficult current economic context. The campaign, which will also be broadcast across Rogers Sports & Media’s platforms as part of the ALL IN program, will run until December 31st. With the year drawing to a close, in Canada, one in three children is still at risk of going to school hungry. Demand and need for breakfast programs continue to grow, but for the time being, the Club will have to continue supporting existing programs due to the rising cost of food. To find out more about the campaign and donate, click here.
– JC
