A guide to spreading cheer beyond the holiday season
different ways to give back
For many in Saskatchewan and the Canadian prairies, the winter holidays are about sharing in warmth and joy during one of the coldest and darkest times of the year. While many are busy sorting out how to get back home to their families for the holidays, checking off a list of names of loved ones to get presents for, or just relishing the atmosphere of the season, it’s important to think of everyone in the community during this time and throughout the rest of the year.
As much as anyone is able to, they should consider sharing that warmth and safety by donating to local charities and community-building organizations.
The Cathedral Community Fridge, for one, is always looking for donations in the form of non-perishable food items or contributions to their GoFundMe. They also welcome volunteers for cleaning the fridge and different aspects of management. Even sharing information about the program on social media lends a helping hand. Information about all of this as well as a food donation guide can be found on their website cathedralcommunityfridge.com.
There are more ways, of course, to help keep people fed this winter. The Regina Food Bank takes funds and food donations not only directly at the food bank but also at the checkouts of various retail stores including Safeway, Sobeys, and Walmart. Anyone can also help out by volunteering some of their time, spreading awareness, or by leading a food drive. More information on donating and volunteering, as well as education information, can be found at reginafoodbank.ca.
YWCA Regina is a local foundation with a large number of programs that aim to support and aid vulnerable women and children in the community. These programs include support for harm reduction, housing, childcare centres, and domestic violence shelters. They take donations and general volunteers, volunteers for Regina’s Big Sisters mentoring program, and volunteers for Encore Market, their second-hand shop. More information can be found at ywcaregina.com.
SOFIA House is a Regina-local organization that provides support services and safe environments for families that have experienced domestic violence. They do take donations, but there are also many opportunities to volunteer by helping with programming, shelter donations, shelter preparation and care, and events. More information can be found at sofiahouse.ca.
United Way Regina is an organization focused on giving back and helping everyone in the community thrive. They take donations that go towards supporting literacy programs, 211 Saskatchewan, community fund grants, support for non-profits, and more. Learn more at unitedwayregina.ca.
Community members that deserve a bright holiday season, of course, also include non-human friends; the Regina Humane Society has a volunteer program with many different options for how someone can help out: spending quality time with cats, dogs, and small animals, maintenance, event support, and more. Read more about the Humane Society at reginahumanesociety.ca.
Regina Education and Action on Community Hunger, or REACH Regina, works towards a world where nourishing food is accessible and affordable for everyone. There are many different ways to support this initiative besides making a donation. Their volunteer opportunities include bagging, cleaning, delivery driving, helping to run cooking classes, organizing orders, and more. Look to reachinregina.ca for more information. There are many ways to spread warmth and comfort not just to your loved ones but to your loving community this winter and during the coming seasons. Check out these organizations and see what you can do!
