True Spirit of Giving

This week while Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, we in Canada are also gearing up for the season of giving. Signs (and advertising) about the holidays are inescapable, and in this season of gift giving (and over-giving) it’s easy to get swept up into the mood of consuming and the “joy of spending” for family, friends and significant others.

At Winnipeg Women/Winnipeg Men magazine, our holiday issue has just gone to press, and while it includes some glittering gift guides and wish lists, it also has a list of a few charitable organizations where people can donate their time, energy or financial support. I love this list (see below) and it reminds me of what Kahil Gibran said: “You give but little when you give of your possessions, it is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

Here are a few charitable organizations in Winnipeg where you can share your joy this holiday season.

Champs War Amps Program provides financial assistance for artificial limbs, as well as counselling programs and seminars to bring young people together. To make a donation visit waramps.ca

Rossbrook House offers youth a safe alte
ative to the streets 365 days a year. For donation information go to www.rossbrookhouse.ca

The Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association is a non-profit organization that provides a therapeutic riding program for children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, visual impairments, autism and other physical disabilities. To make a donation go to www.mrda.cc

Meals on Wheels of Winnipeg has a long history of service and today their volunteers deliver to over 1000 clients in Winnipeg. For more information or to make a donation visit www.mealswinnipeg.com

The North End Women’s Centre has been serving women and their families for over 25 years, providing a place where women can receive the understanding, support and resources they need to make informed choices about their lives. For more information or to make a donation go to www.newcentre.org

Oyate Tipi is a non-profit organization that accepts donations of gently used household goods and furniture. All items are distributed to women and children who are trying to better themselves by escaping poverty or abuse. Schedule a free pick up by calling the Oyate Tipi donation line at 204-589-2265.

Siloam Mission serves people in need in Winnipeg’s inner city and offers a Christmas dinner. Financial donations can go toward the purchase of Christmas meal tickets (just $2.97 feeds one person) or to support other services. Online donations can be made at www.siloam.ca

Winnipeg Harvest is a non-profit organization that collects and distributes food to people who are hungry as well as offering training opportunities to help people step up and out of poverty. To donate money, food or time, go to www.winnipegharvest.org

Of course, donations can also be made to arts groups, health care organizations, foundations and other charities… it’s simply a matter of choosing who or what you would like to support.

For all those giving of your time, energy or dollars this season, may your gift(s) bring you and others great comfort and joy.

Enjoy the gift of giving, and have a happy, meaningful holiday season.