Victoria Charities and Events Need Our Support
Especially this year, it is so important to help those in need. Together we can make this holiday season special through our donations! Here is a list of some wonderful charities and events that need our support:
In the Downtown Core:
CFAX Santa’s Anonymous
WEBSITE | 778-561-1070 | DONATE HERE
CFAX Santa’s Anonymous is a registered children’s charity, which aims to help families with children in need. They are one of the longest-running such charities in Greater Victoria. Their Christmas Hamper program supplies gifts for children and food for their families at Christmas time, acting as a go-between for Santa’s workshop.
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Festival of Trees at The Bay Centre
WEBSITE | 1-888-663-3033 | DONATE HERE
BC Children’s Hospital’s Festival of Trees is a cherished community tradition and has become the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season in Victoria, for the last 28 consecutive years. From November 19 to January 5, the Bay Centre is transformed into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Guests can marvel at the magic of Victoria’s community spirit and vote for their favourite tree.
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Our Place Society
WEBSITE | 250-388-7112 | DONATE HERE
Located on Pandora Street, Our Place Society supports some of Victoria’s most vulnerable citizens. Their programs and services help people struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use issues, as well as the working poor and impoverished elderly. They provide over 1,000 meals every day, 400 units of housing plus transitional shelter spaces, hot showers, education, job skills, health care, addiction recovery services, donated clothing, counseling and outreach services, and a 60-bin storage facility.
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The Salvation Army
WEBSITE | 1-800-725-2769 | DONATE HERE
The Salvation Army began working in Canada in 1882 and has become one of the largest non-governmental direct providers of social services in the country. They offer assistance to children and families, provide shelter for the homeless and those struggling with addiction. During the holiday season, they help make sure that families have food, toys, and clothes, under the tree.
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WIN’s Community Cheer Campaign
WEBSITE | 250-480-4006 | DONATE HERE
Women In Need Community Co-operative aims to support women in becoming self-sufficient and well in their lives. They have been empowering women in Victoria for 30 years and hope to make it to their goal of $25,000 for their programs this year! To support their Cheer Campaign, consider rounding up your purchase, donating gift cards for groceries or other practical items, and making a monetary donation in person, online, or by mail!
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Greater Victoria Festival Society’s Light Up the City Campaign
WEBSITE | 250-382-3111 | FACEBOOK
The Greater Victoria Festival Society is trying something new this year: a series of drive-through donation locations across Victoria and the island. They aim to help those in need and help us all enjoy the festivities of the season despite the pandemic. On Saturdays, the Bay Centre Lower Guest Services and Fan Tan Home and Style are open for donations of non-perishable food items, new toys, and cash donations.
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Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s Gingerbread Showcase
WEBSITE | 250-480-7688 | DONATE HERE
Since 1990, Habitat for Humanity Victoria has been a registered charity helping families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership. For twelve years, they have sponsored an Annual Gingerbread Showcase throughout downtown Victoria and Sidney. This year’s creations can be seen through the window and online. Donate to Habitat for Humanity Victoria and vote for your favourite gingerbread masterpiece!
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LOJO Gift Wrapping in Market Square
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? EMAIL tara@bagginsshoes.com
Some of the small businesses on Lower Johnson Street have organized a gift-wrapping event to benefit the Addictions Recovery Centre. From December 18 – 21, there will be a gift-wrapping station at 100-560 Johnson Street next to Oscar and Libby’s. It will be open from 12 pm – 4 pm on the 19th and 20th, and from 2 pm – 6 pm on the 18th and 21st. This is a great way to support a local charity and get all your gifts wrapped ahead of schedule!
Pure Body Health and Raincoast Dog Rescue Society
PURE BODY HEALTH | RAINCOAST DOG RESCUE SOCIETY
Pure Body Health and Raincoast Dog Rescue Society are teaming up this holiday season! For the month of December, buy any sauna package and they will donate 50% of all those sales to Raincoast. They will also be donating $5 from every $100 gift card sold this month. Give health and wellness to your loved ones this holiday and support a non-profit organization with the aim of helping animals find wonderful homes!
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Other Great Local Charities:
Times Colonist Christmas Fund
WEBSITE | 250-380-5211 | DONATE HERE
The Times Colonist is the oldest daily newspaper in Western Canada. During the holiday season, their Christmas Fund has those in need in Greater Victoria, including individuals, organizations, and families. Donations can range from $10 – $2,000, both on a one-time basis and monthly. Everything helps.
The Mustard Seed Street Church and Food Bank
WEBSITE | 250-953-1575 | DONATE HERE
The Mustard Seed was established in 1975 and has been fighting against hunger and poverty in Greater Victoria ever since. They have a Food Bank, a Family Centre, and addiction recovery, as well as traditional church services. Every month, they positively impact an average of 5,000 individuals, and with your donations, they can continue their work in the community.
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If you can, please donate and support these fantastic local charities this holiday season! Every donation will help individuals, organizations, and families this year, so what are we waiting for?
