GIFTS THAT GIVE MORE
Heart of CALGARY
It’s not hard to find gifts that go further at this time of year, contributing to worthy causes at home and around the world; the hard part is choosing among them.
Consider this list a small sampling of very local non-profit gift ideas. We’ve chosen them because they offer something specific, such as a book or a sponsorship, which helps to demonstrate how the organization is using your money in a tangible way.
The causes may be homegrown, from animal welfare to childhood education, but the effects ripple out, across continents and lifetimes.
Please add your suggestions to this story online at calgaryherald. com/life, to create a much longer list. And of course, if you’re looking to support 12 local charitable organizations with a single donation, our own Calgary Herald Christmas Fund is always an option (calgaryherald. com/christmasfund).
Adopt an injured animal
The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation cares for injured and orphaned wildlife northwest of Calgary, and offers a range of “adoption options.”
From $40 for a songbird or small mammal to $100 for an eagle or large mammal, adopters receive a photo, certificate and tax receipt. (aiwc.ca, click on ‘support AIWC’)
Sponsor a guide dog pup
Puppies cared for and trained by Alberta Guide Dog Services grow up to be partners for people with visual impairments and children with autism. Contribute to their early care with puppy scholarships ($15 monthly) or kinderpups ($50 one-time). You’ll receive photos and stories of their adventures. (albertaguidedog.com)
Feels like home
You can make animals at the Calgary Humane Society feel way more comfy with the Society’s Home for the Holidays program. Consider donating treats and toys for a dog or cat for $25, or a cosy cat bed for $50. (calgaryhumane.ca)
Good reads and more
The Calgary Public Library Foundation raises funds for special programs and services at the library. They’ve launched goodread.ca to help, with proceeds from sales of books and related items going to the foundation. One example? Purchase Chris Turner’s The Leap: How to survive and thrive in the sustainable economy for $18 and support both the library and a local author. (goodread.ca)
C is for Calgary
This $15 hardcover children’s book is a homegrown charmer from author Dave Kelly and illustrator Mandy Stobo. Created by Chevron Canada and Calgary Reads (an early literacy program that helps grade one and two kids who are struggling to read), it’s part of the new Calgary Reads e-store, which also offers literacy-related products such as bookmarks (great for teacher gifts). (calgaryreads.com, click on ‘store’)
Care for the zoo gardens
Sure, the penguins are cute. And yes, you can adopt one (or a variety of other animals) for $50, which comes with a certificate and stuffed toy, helping to pay for their care. But you can also adopt plants, from bougainvillea to the bristlecone pine to the butterfly garden, to help maintain the green spaces throughout the zoo — a perfect Christmas gift for the gar- dener in your life. (calgaryzoo.org, click on ‘support us’ then ‘ZooCare’)
Light up the world
Communities without electricity must often resort to fuel-based or battery-powered sources of energy. Calgary-based Light Up the World works to change this, moving toward alternative, sustainable energy sources. You can “light up a home for the holidays” with light for $50, training for $100 or a solar home energy system for $250. (lutw.org, click on ‘donate’)
Helicopter rescue
Did you know that you can support almost anything on the STARS medical rescue helicopters, helping the crews provide essential emergency services? You can refill an oxygen tank for $25; support an annual check ride for $350; or even fund an entire flight for $5,400. (foundation.stars.ca/ gifts)
Hop onto two wheels
Calgary-based Two Wheel View provides leadership, environmental and cultural programs to young people, through bicycle education and expedition programs. You can support this social enterprise through adult fundraising bicycle trips: a March 2013 two-week trip to Argentina, for example, costs $1,500 with a pledge to fundraise at least $3,000 — or you pay $4,500 and receive a tax receipt for $3,000. (twowheelview.org)