The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration… and let’s be honest, a little holiday stress (how am I going to afford gifts for everyone again?). But here’s a thought: instead of emptying your wallet on that third Secret Santa gift, why not give the gift of your time?
Volunteering is not only a way to feel good about yourself—it’s a way to make a real difference in your community and country. And you don’t need to spend a single loonie to do it. In fact, all you need is a little time, enthusiasm, and maybe a pair of comfy shoes (trust me, you’ll thank me later).
Whether you’re looking to rack up some volunteer hours, boost your resume, or just spread some holiday cheer, we’ve got a ton of ideas that’ll have you thinking, “Why haven’t I done this before?”
Why Volunteering Matters: Good for You, Good for Canada
Sure, volunteering is great for your mental health and all that, but let’s zoom out for a second. Helping others is not just good for you—it’s good for your community, your city, and your entire country. Here’s how:
- Strengthens Communities: Volunteering fosters a sense of unity and trust among people. It’s like the glue that holds communities together, even if that glue is made of sweat and effort instead of, you know, actual glue.
- Boosts Local Economies: Believe it or not, volunteer work can indirectly support local businesses and organizations. The more hands on deck, the more efficient charitable events and fundraisers become, which means more funds go directly to those in need.
- Builds Social Connections: The more we connect, the less divided we feel. And in these times, that’s kind of a big deal.
- Encourages Civic Responsibility: Giving back can inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect. Who knew you could be a trendsetter without posting about it on TikTok?
Food Banks: An Honourable Mention (But Let’s Talk Alternatives)
Yes, we all think of food banks first. They do amazing work, especially during the holidays, but they’re often overwhelmed with volunteers in December. So, while they’ll never turn down your help, there are plenty of other organizations that would love to see your bright, holiday-cheer-filled face.
Lesser-Known Options That Need Volunteers:
- Homeless shelters: Help serve hot meals, organize clothing donations, or even just chat with residents.
- Mental health support lines: Places like Kids Help Phone are always looking for volunteers to answer calls and provide support (yes, even virtually).
- Community gardens: Help maintain gardens that provide fresh produce to low-income families. Check out Green Thumbs Growing Kids in Toronto for inspo.
- Libraries: Many libraries host reading programs for kids or ESL classes for newcomers.
- Virtual volunteering: Organizations like Crisis Text Line need people to chat with those in crisis. You can do this from your couch in your PJs—just don’t tell them I said that.
How Canadian Students Can Get Involved: The Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Level of Commitment
- Quick and Easy: Single-day events, like serving meals at a soup kitchen or organizing a holiday toy drive.
- Longer Commitment: Weekly shifts at an animal shelter or tutoring local kids.
- Virtual Options: Help with online fundraising campaigns, digital marketing for nonprofits, or writing cards for nursing homes.
Step 2: Find the Right Fit
- Solo Volunteers: If you’re more of a lone wolf, consider options like online mentorship or writing letters for seniors.
- Family-Friendly: Get the whole fam involved! Organizations like Habitat for Humanity have builds that welcome families.
- Squad Goals: Team up with friends for park clean-ups, coat drives, or organizing a charity run.
Step 3: Use Online Resources
Volunteering Across Canada: Province-by-Province Guide
Ontario
- Covenant House Toronto: Volunteer with at-risk youth.
- The Stop Community Food Centre: Help prep meals or organize events.
Quebec
- Moisson Montréal: Perfect if you’re down to sort and pack food donations.
- Santropol Roulant: Get involved with meal deliveries to seniors.
British Columbia
- BC SPCA: Animal lovers unite—walk dogs, clean kennels, or just cuddle cats.
- Greater Vancouver Food Bank: Sort and pack hampers, or volunteer as a driver.
Alberta
- Calgary Drop-In Centre: Help with meal service or donations.
- Edmonton Food Bank: Sort food, pack hampers, or help with events.
Manitoba
- Winnipeg Harvest: Distribute food hampers or assist with administrative tasks.
- Siloam Mission: Help prepare and serve hot meals to those in need.
Saskatchewan
- Regina Open Door Society: Support newcomers with language and job skills.
- Saskatoon Friendship Inn: Assist with meal prep or fundraising events.
The Maritimes (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI)
- Feed Nova Scotia: Sort and pack food donations, or become a delivery driver.
- P.E.I. Humane Society: Perfect for animal lovers—help with pet care and adoptions.
Fun and Creative Ways to Give Back Without Spending a Cent
- Host a Digital Fundraiser
If you’re good with social media, organize a fundraiser online. Pick a cause and rally your friends to donate their coffee money for a week.
- Snow Angels
Grab your pals and shovels, and help clear the driveways of your neighbours, especially seniors or those with mobility issues. You’ll get a workout, a good deed done, and maybe even some hot cocoa as a thank-you.
- DIY Care Packages
Have a knack for crafting? Create care packages with essential items for shelters or seniors. You can even organize a drive to collect items like toiletries, snacks, or warm socks.
- Teach Digital Literacy
With everything going virtual, seniors could use some help mastering Zoom, emails, and even online shopping. It’s the modern-day version of “teaching your grandma to text.”
- Adopt-a-Family Program
Some organizations, like the Salvation Army, run programs where you can “adopt” a family for the holidays by providing gifts and necessities.
Volunteering with Friends or Family: Strength in Numbers
- Organize a community clean-up: Grab your family and friends, and pick a local park or beach to clean.
- Bake for your community: Host a holiday baking day and deliver cookies to your local fire station, hospital, or shelter.
- Caroling for a Cause: Get your squad together for a good old-fashioned caroling session. Collect donations for a charity while you’re at it.
Virtual Volunteering: For the Couch Potatoes
Not a fan of the cold? (Same.) Here are some virtual volunteering opportunities:
- Crisis Text Line: Become a virtual counsellor and help someone through a tough time.
- Be My Eyes: Assist visually impaired individuals with everyday tasks via a smartphone app.
- Zooniverse: Help with scientific research projects, from classifying galaxies to counting penguins in the Antarctic.
- Amnesty International: Write letters to support human rights causes worldwide.
Final Thoughts: Give Back, Feel Good, and Have Fun
This holiday season, instead of stressing about finding the perfect gift or spending more money than you should, consider giving back in ways that truly matter. You’ll feel great, make new friends, and help create a brighter holiday for someone who really needs it.
So, bundle up, grab your besties, or cozy up on your couch with your laptop—it’s time to spread some holiday cheer. Because nothing says “happy holidays” quite like making someone else’s day.
Spend. Save. Repeat. With SPC.
Remember, volunteering isn’t just about doing good; it’s about feeling good too. Now go forth and be the holiday hero your community didn’t know it needed. 🎄