The core of the many spiritual holidays celebrated in the depths of winter (including Christmas, Hannukah, Diwali, and Sadeh) is rooted in a generous sharing of community resources. This sharing of food, clothing, fuel, and other items meant that those with less could survive the harsh winter. Today, many choose to continue in the spirit of this tradition by allocating their gift budget on something more meaningful than the latest toy craze or gift certificates.
Gifts for children
Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP): The gift of education is one of the most valuable presents a family member or friend can offer a child. Find out if a child on your list has an RESP and contribute towards it. If not, consider starting one. The Government of Canada will add a grant of 20% on the first $2,500 made into an RESP each year.
Make a donation to a charity that supports children, such as CARE Canada’s Live, Learn, Earn gift catalogue, where $21 provides a blackboard for a classroom that doesn’t have one, and $32 gives a pair of chickens that provide eggs, compost for healthier crops, and a source of income for school supplies. It is a wonderful opportunity to teach a child how a little bit of help can make a big difference.
Charitable donations
Donations to federally registered Canadian charities are tax deductible. Some people choose to make a large donation in honour of most of the recipients on their list. According to Ufile, charitable donations can be carried forward up to five years before claiming them on tax returns. When a gift is made on behalf of a single individual (or married couple) it is possible for the giver to assign the tax receipt to the giftee by informing the charity that the receipt is to be made out and sent to the person named.
Some people like to choose a mix of local, national, and international charities to donate to. You may already know a charity that you wish to support or one that your gift recipient believes in. Agencies such as Canada Helps and Charity Village provide lists of registered charities and a secure online donation system.
CBC Ottawa creates a week of giving with Share Central. The Well, a drop-in centre for women and women with children and the Ottawa Mission, a homeless shelter are two chosen organizations to support this year.
Food banks and hamper programs
Make this year’s Christmas party meaningful. Contact one of the charities that create food and gift hampers for families in need and make the creation of a thoughtful collection of food and toys the center of an office party or friends and family gathering. A couple of banana boxes covered in gift wrap, some cellophane and ribbon, and some creative effort quickly turn into bountiful gifts that brighten the heart of the givers and the recipient.
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