Edmonton-based charities need your help this holiday season

The holidays are a critical time for charities— it’s when donors dig deep and give generously to organizations that serve our city’s most vulnerable. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations have had to cancel or put off their year-end fundraising events, meaning that resources are stretched thin at a time when the need for services has never been higher. Edmontonians are knownfor their generous spirits and kind hearts. That is why we are presenting these 15 incredible Edmonton-area charities doing essential work on behalf of children, women, seniors, people facing poverty, those with life-altering illnesses, and more. These organizations are counting on you to help them make it through this challenging time, andwe invite you to read their stories and give what you can.

Arthritis Society

Arthritis shouldn’t stop 1 in 5 Canadians from living life to the fullest, but it can. Our resources and education programs help people manage the limitations arthritis pain can cause. You can make a difference in someone’s life today and help us pursue a future without arthritis.

Website arthritis.ca Phone 1-800-321-1433

Boys & Girls Clubs – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area

The pandemic has hit some of Edmonton’s most vulnerable families hard, and we know Edmontonians are no strangers to lending a helping hand to those who need it most. As we shift how we serve our children and youth during this time, we are in need of virtual volunteers for virtual mentoring, reading and tutoring. Website bgcbigs.ca/more-than-ever Address 10135 89 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5H 1P6 Phone 780-424-8181 Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Boyle Street Community Services

We’re asking Edmontonians to come together to help people who are experiencing poverty and homelessness in our city. Boyle Street provides over 40 essential services to individuals, families, youth, seniors and pregnant parents, with programs rooted in harm reduction and cultural supports. We remain committed to keeping our doors open, but we can’t do it without you. We need your support now more than ever; every gift, big and small, makes a positive impact on our clients’ lives. This holiday season, help us care for the people we serve. Please donate today. Website boylestreet.org/care Address 10116 105 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5H 0K2 Phone 780-424-4106 Hours Monday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Change for Children

Shine On. Share Hope. Spread Joy. Over 100 million people have been pushed into poverty in the World this year. The World needs investment in International Development now more than ever. Change for Children is an Edmonton-based organization that has been making a positive impact in the fight against poverty and injustice internationally for over 40 years. Your support means clean water for drought-stricken communities, access to education for marginalized girls and boys, food for vulnerable families and COVID-19 relief. Give Hope for the Holidays. Donate now. Website changeforchildren.org Address 10808-124 Street, 2nd floor Phone 780-448-1505 Hours Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Christmas Bureau of Edmonton

Celebrating 80 years of providing festive meals to Edmonton families, seniors and individuals in need. Thanks to the generosity of the Edmonton community. Help us feed 45,000 Edmontonians in need this festive season. Be the brightest part of someone’s HOLIDAYS! Website christmasbureau.ca Address 12122 68 Street Phone 780-414-7684 Hours Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Intake lines are open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Edmonton’s Food Bank

We envision a community where no one goes hungry. Your gifts of food, time and money have a direct impact on the lives of our neighbours in need. Thank you. To learn more about our work, or if you need help, please visit edmontonsfoodbank.com for more information. Thank you! Website edmontonsfoodbank.com Address 11508 120 Street, NW, Edmonton, AB, T5G 2Y2 Phone 780-425-2133

The Good Samaritan Society

The Good Samaritan Christmas Angels Program helps to ensure that each resident and individual in our care receives a gift this holiday season. Donate today to bring joy to the more than 3,000 people who call Good Samaritan home. Website gss.org/donate Address 8861 75 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6C 4G8 Phone 780-431-3757

Goodwill

Since 1963, Goodwill changes lives for the better through the power of work and the dignity of a job. Goodwill’s mission is to provide Albertans with disabilities the opportunity to enhance their lives through meaningful employment. Each year, over one million Albertans shop at Goodwill, with 89 per cent of all revenues going back into our mission and remaining in Alberta. With our sustainability initiatives in place, Goodwill also diverts more than 15 million kgs from local landfills each year! By donating your clothing and gently used household items, you have the ability to strengthen lives and our community for the better. Website goodwill.ab.ca/donate Phone 1-866-927-1414

GRIT

Every parent wants their child to explore their world, to participate and hold a valued role in their community. Every parent wants their child to live an ordinary life. Since 1982, GRIT has been a trusted leader helping children with disabilities become meaningful participants. Working closely with parents, our team travels to everyday places where children live and learn, such as playschool, day care and kindergarten, etc. Our “Giving Every Child a Voice” project urgently needs technology, such as an ipad, App or other device, to fulfill every child’s right to communicate with parents, siblings and friends. Website gritprogram.ca/donate Address 12852 141 Street Phone 780-454-9910 Hours 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed provides basic services like food, shelter and clothing to individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, as well as supportive programming that provides hope for a brighter future. Demand for our services is always high during the holidays, but it is even more so this year because of the ongoing pandemic. We need the support of the community to help us meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbours. Your donations provide those in need with nourishing meals, shelter from the cold, and the knowledge that they are not alone. This Christmas, give the gift of hope. Website theseed.ca Address 10568 114 Street NW Phone 780-426-5600

No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation

No Stone Left Alone is committed to honouring the sacrifice and service of Canada’s military by educating students and placing poppies on the headstones of veterans every November. Commemorations occur each year in communities across Canada and beyond. Through these hands-on, intergenerational experiences, youth are personally connected with what has been given for them — thus passing the torch of remembrance forward to a new generation. Website nostoneleftalone.ca Address 11420 107 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB, T5H 0Y5 Phone 780-917-8855 Hours Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parkinson Association of Alberta

Join a caring and supportive community of people living with Parkinson disease and Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes. By purchasing a $25 annual membership or investing through donation, you help to ensure more than 10,000 individuals and their families in Alberta have access to vital and meaningful emotional, educational and physical programming. Donate Today. Website parkinsonassociation.ca Phone 1-800-561-1911 Hours Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed statutory holidays)

Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation

Now more than ever, families from backyards across Alberta need your help. In October 2018, Hudson’s mom noticed a change in her son’s breathing. She rushed him to the Stollery Children’s Hospital. While Hudson’s illness began with H1N1 influenza, it quickly led to a serious staph infection, pneumonia and septic shock. He spent 19 days on life support and six more days on a ventilator. After 258 days at the Stollery and more than 30 procedures and surgeries, Hudson’s surgeons amputated his right leg below the knee to save his life. THANK YOU for helping kids like Hudson. Donate today. Website stollerykids.com/donate Address 800 College Plaza, 8215 - 112 Street, Edmonton AB, T6G 2C8 C8 Phone 780-433-5437 Hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

YMCA of Northern Alberta

YMCA of Northern Alberta’s mission is to create life-enhancing opportunities for the growth and development of all people in spirit, mind and body. Our vision is strong kids, healthy families, thriving communities. We provide inclusive programs and services through our health, fitness and aquatics facilities, values-based day camps, trusted childcare, and community and housing initiatives where everyone can improve their overall wellbeing. The Y needs your support more than ever to help respond to the community’s greatest needs. Make an important gift today. Website northernalberta.ymca.ca/give Address 10211 105 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 1E3 Phone 780-902-0500 Hours Bill Rees YMCA: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

YWCA Edmonton

YWCA Edmonton opened its doors in 1907. We have supported Albertans through two world wars, the Spanish Influenza, the Great Depression and much more. We are a powerful voice for equity and a trusted provider of services, programs and advocacy work that transforms lives and helps build a stronger, healthier and equitable community for all. COVID-19 has changed how we all live. But being physically apart doesn’t have to mean being alone. Together, we can help those who are most vulnerable. With your help, we can provide critical programs and resources to women and families in need. Website ywcaofedmonton.org/donate Address 400, 10080 Jasper Avenue Phone 780-423-9922 Hours Offices are closed, but online services are available at ywcaofedmonton.org