At Context, we’re passionate about all things Toronto, and that includes the amazing organizations that work every day to make our city even better. If you’re looking for a way to give back in the city this year, and make a difference in the city we call home, these 4 charities might be right up your alley:
1. Daily Bread Food Bank
The Daily Bread is one of Toronto’s most well-known food banks. First established by impassioned Toronto citizens in 1983, The Daily Bread is actually a central distribution hub that helps support over 20 meal programs, as well as innovative social programs that aim to give low-income people long-term hunger solutions. Their efforts fall into two main categories: food banks and meal programs. Food banks are centres where low-income singles or families can pick up groceries and staples like hygiene products. Meal programs include preparing food, and distributing it to shelters, drop-in centres or hostels. Last year, the Daily Bread served over 700,000 people, a number that swells every year. To see more of what they do, head this way.
2. The Toronto Humane Society
If you’re an animal lover, the humane society is a great way to give back. Headquartered at 11 River Street, just outside of downtown Toronto, the Humane Society is actually one of Toronto’s oldest charities, with a history stemming back to 1886. At the time, work animals like horses were prevalent all over the city, and often mistreated. Citizens banned together to make life better for all the creatures across the city, and they’ve been working toward that goal ever since. With a no-kill policy, the Humane Society uses creative and compassionate methods to provide better outcomes for pets and wild animals all across Toronto. If you’re looking for a new pet, the Humane Society is a great place to check out – not only do they house cats and dogs, they also have guinea pigs, chinchillas, turtles, birds, and more in regular rotation, each in desperate need of a home. To see what you can do to participate, click here.
3. The Toronto Public Library
In the age of the iPad and Kindle, it might have been a while since you last headed to the library, or even picked up a physical book. It’s easy to forget why the library is so important, but it’s key to remember they’re not just in the business of lending out books. Libraries also provide key social programs to the city’s most underprivileged citizens, after-school classes for youth and teens, book clubs, homework help, programs for newcomers and ESL services, and more – each working to enrich the community every day. They also provide the invaluable service of providing books and the Internet to those who may not be able to afford them otherwise. If you’d like to get involved by donating or donating your time, click here.
4. Evergreen
If you’ve headed to the Evergreen Brickworks, you know how unique this charity is. Not only do they provide event space for small businesses and farmers to showcase their work during festivals and markets, they also have a wealth of preserved land to hike and explore well within the city limits. Evergreen also provides a space for kids in the city to experience nature and get outside, an opportunity that can be quite limited for kids in urban centres. Their programs also support local farmers and empower people to grow their own food and make sustainable choices when shopping for food. Evergreen is a uniquely Toronto charity that makes our future greener and more delicious – if that sounds like your bag, check out their programs here.
Are you planning to get involved in 2016? Which Toronto charities do you love? Tell us on Twitter!
