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10 volunteer options during the holidays in Toronto
Volunteer opportunities during the holidays in Toronto are not limited to the popular Daily Bread food sorts and Mission Christmas dinner distribution. There are plenty (too many?) of other groups and organizations in the city that could use a helping hand or two, especially since charity services tend to be under extra strain during the holiday season. If you'd rather make a contribution beyond just an extra can of peas, check out these 10 volunteer opportunities for 2012 in Toronto.
Central Neighbourhood House
Operating on Ontario Street right by Dundas and Parliament, Central Neighbourhood House does a little bit of everything, including lending a hand to new Canadians and providing assistance to seniors in the community. While CNH could always an extra volunteer or two, of course, it is currently looking for volunteers who can help out with delivering small holiday gifts to clients' homes. Access to a car is a plus. Contact: 416-925-4363, cstouffer@cnh.on.ca
Salvation Army Kettle Campaign
Required skills include the ability to ring a bell and smile. No sweat, right? The Salvation Army is still looking for bell-ringing volunteers to join its quest to raise $120,000 in the East Toronto community. Dates and times are typically quite flexible, with most kettlers volunteering for two to four-hour stints at a time. I believe the Santa hat is optional. Contact: 416-467-7416 x 223, Chantal_Reed@can.salvationarmy.org
Holiday Helpers
Holiday Helpers lets you play Santa this season, albeit without the sleigh (must provide your own) and soaring cholesterol level. This non-profit organization delivers Christmas packages to low income families, and relies on volunteers for wrapping and delivery. More information can be found on the website in the hyperlink above. Contact: 416-214-3659, volunteers@holidayhelpers.org
Canadian Mental Health Association CMHA's holiday volunteer program is a little different. Instead of donating your time for the season, the public is asked to make a small donation for which a CMHA staff member will visit a client in his or her home and bring a few thoughtful holiday items. Call it donating "your" time. Donations can start at $25. Contact: 416-789-7957, rlindsay@cmha-toronto.net
Yonge Street Mission
Volunteering for the Yonge Street Mission can be more than just serving meals. The not-for-profit organization needs volunteers to help staff its Food Market, its Toy Market, to deliver packages to seniors, and offer up some home-baked treats. These positions usually fill up fast, so if you're keen on helping the Mission, contact them soon. Contact: 416-929-9614, http://www.ysm.ca/act/volunteer/
Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto
On Gerrard between Jarvis and Parliament, the Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto is looking for a few extra hands to help out throughout the holidays. Catering to the needs of Aboriginal women and their kids, the centre needs volunteers to help out especially with its community daily lunch. Ongoing opportunities (as in, you're already tied up for this December) include tutoring and working directly with clients. Contact: 416-963-9963, programs@nwrct.ca
Riverdale Housing Action Group
With its Christmas party slated for December 20, the Riverdale Housing Action Group is looking for volunteers who can help wrap presents, organize inventory, and maybe even perform a song or two at the annual holiday event. The group provides affordable housing for low-income women and their kids, and is always looking for people who can volunteer their time for fundraising efforts. Contact: 416-469-3278, jennie@rhag.ca
Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities
The Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities is putting together the last of its Holiday Wishes packages. Volunteers can help to craft and deliver the boxes to needy families, and also help out with hospice visits and assist with meals on wheels. Contact: 416-847-4141, mmartin@schcontario.ca
Sistering
Sistering's drop-in centre offers a safe daytime space for marginalized, homeless, or low-income women in Toronto. Its upcoming events include a hot holiday meal and gift-giving distribution, both of which could use a little help from volunteers. Potential volunteers are usually screened before participation. Contact: 416-926-9762 x239 callain@sistering.org
Horizons for Youth
Like many Toronto shelters, Horizons for Youth may be under added strain this holiday, and could probably use a few extra volunteers for doling out meals and general centre upkeep. Serving homeless at at-risk youth, Horizons could also use toiletry and clothing donations, in addition to volunteer manpower. 416-781-9898 x 27 alan@horizonsforyouth.org
Photo by Jamie in Bytown in the blogTO Flickr pool
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Tough call. They do good work, but use faith-based reasons to discriminate.
mission & values: http://www.salvationarmy.ca/missionandvalues/
position statements: http://www.salvationarmy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Position-Statements-CB-06.12-English.pdf
"The Salvation Army believes that God’s will for the expression of sexual intimacy is revealed in the Bible, and that living fully in accordance with biblical standards calls for chastity outside of heterosexual marriage"
"
The Salvation Army believes that God’s will for the expression of sexual intimacy is revealed in the Bible, and that living fully in accordance with biblical standards calls for chastity outside of heterosexual marriage and faithfulness within it. We do not believe that same-sex attraction is blameworthy and we oppose the vilification and mistreatment of gays and lesbians. We believe that we are accountable for the ways in which we express our sexuality. While recognizing the challenge that this presents, The Salvation Army believes firmly in the power of God’s grace to enable all to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.
"
I don't see what place they have commenting on the subject matter either way.
Volunteering is an awesome way to help others & u receive so much in return, it's truly a Win-Win experience that results in blessings for ALL involved. It's also great therapy & grounding for the many stressors we all face in our daily lives - assisting others is INspirational & UPlifting for the Heart & Soul!
P.S-it's looks great on your resume! most organizations are not just busy during the Christmas season - Christmas can last well in to January
It's an opportunity to help those in need not worry about political issues.
Help where help is needed. Thanks!
Get over it. this is about Christmas and if you have the ability to help anyone by doing anything you should do it!
Just so you know, the message being sent, loud and clear is: "The LGBT community is so open minded...BUT ONLY if it pertains to FOLLOWING what we say and believe. If you go against it, you are a heathen, horrible, and NO NO NO NO, we will NOT see it any other way, but OUR way. And because you are not going along with us, you must be ruined and destroyed... even though you have an amazing history of good will, assistance and helping people in dire need!"
Just absolutely appalling and completely SELFISH.
Someone, please, CONFISCATE these whiners' soap boxes!!!
support the SA, if you won't, as no one is stopping you. i can't speak for everyone, but it's good to make an educated and informed decision where your money goes in terms of support. many people are unaware of SA's religious mission, values, and beliefs, as well as their position statements, so they end up supporting an organization they may fundamentally disagree with. just the same as i wouldn't support the westboro church, i wouldn't support SA.
so, please, get off your annoying soapbox, and quit your immature ranting and raving.
support whoever you want, but do it in an informed manner.
Take your hate, your judgements and your nasty attitude somewhere else. Why don't you funnel all that toxic energy and try and use it for good, say...volunteer work?
Sorry, but no gold stars for you, dear, on your big "reveal" about the Salvation Army. And to rub it in a bit more, the SA is a wonderful charity, who has and continues to help MILLIONS of people around the world.
And what have you done today?? Oh, that's right...you went on a Salvation Army blog-thread and said..."look, look, look, they are SOOOO bad!"
Reading your replies I see you are nothing more than a complete and utter buffoon and therefore worth no more of my time.
why would i have a problem with blogTO? they seem reasonable to me.
why would i want a gold star? it's not like what i'm saying is investigative journalism; rather, it's something that not everyone is aware of. you seem overly defensive, that someone may not support your religious charity. give it a break.
i've worked today, of which a portion of my pay goes to charity. you also seem surprisingly defensive, though i'm not sure about what...that someone doesn't support your charity? seems rather petty.
the insults also really contribute to your insightful opinion. do you get these angry IRL when people have a conversation about stuff you don't like or disagree with. have some egg nog, and enjoy the SA if you want (i don't care, since it seems you're fully aware and supportive of their positions anyway...good on you!)
"support whoever you want, but do it in an informed manner."
:)
The article on blogto simply points out 10 volunteer options for the holidays. Stop your name calling and get rid of your prissy attitudes.
There are many people that need our assistance right now. If you can assist great! If you enjoy helping others, perhaps you may wish to consider doing some volunteering year round. Wonderful.
If you don't like one of the 10 options above, be grateful there are 9 more listed.
There is no to continue bitching here. Words hurt. Try helping those in need instead.
Merry Christmas!
So for you to say its not.. makes you sound like you are either downplaying it or simply an idiot -especially when you're trying to preach about "educated decisions".
This wasn't an issue until the some gay hipster losers attempted to shoot down such a great charity that has helpe millions everywhere.
Just disgraceful. I will be deliberately volunteering at the Salvation Army this year just to show my support for all the work they do.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
merry christmas! :)
experts of this sector do not understand this. You must continue your
writing. I am confident, you have a huge readers' base already!