THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
Be Purposeful in Your Giving
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’m noticing a cultural shift; maybe you’re noticing it too? People are tired of buying simply for the sake of buying during the holidays. Reckoning the environmental impacts of stuff is the new ghost of Christmas past. So is inequality; why do some in our community have so much stuff and some so little? Yet we don’t want to abandon the joy and ritual of giving and nor should we. So how to be more purposeful and intentional in gift-giving? The good ol’ homemade gift is a classic choice. Gifting someone an experience or a service is innovative. Locally produced options in the Valley are choice and abundant. And, there is another inspired option to consider; giving someone a meaningful recognition of their values by making a donation to a nonprofit or service organization in their name.
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, COMMUNITY INCLUSION GLENORA FARM is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through life-enriching day programs and empowering residential care. 250-715-1559 www.glenorafarm.org
SEXUAL ASSAULT ADVOCACY GENDER BASED VIOLENCE WARMLAND WOMEN’S SUPPORT SERVICES SOCIETY 24/7 crisis hospital accompaniment for survivors of gender-based violence seeking forensic medical care; trauma counseling and women’s groups; medical/criminal justice system advocacy. 250-710-8177 www.warmlandwomen.org
There are many non-profit and service organizations doing life-affirming work in the Cowichan Valley. They do a lot with very little and stretch donations with volunteer effort and grass-roots thrift. They build community capacity and repair community spirit. How to select the right organization? Well, first consider the person you are gifting. What do they love most about this world? What do they care about? What makes their heart sing? Then think about our local non-profit and service organizations. Match-make the values of the person you are gifting with the mission of the organization. The real bow on the box is when you take the time to express why you chose the organization when you thought of them. Your gift will move their heart and your donation most certainly will have impacted a life. There is, after all, no greater gift than that. Amanda Marchand regularly donates to nonprofit and service organizations and has been working in the non-profit sector for 26 years.
S’AMUNU (SOMENOS) WATERSHED ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
SETTLEMENT SERVICES FOR IMMIGRANTS & REFUGEES
SOMENOS MARSH WILDLIFE SOCIETY Focussed on returning the S’amunu watershed back to a healthy state where water quality is improved and salmon spawning and escapement numbers are increased paul.fletcher@somenosmarsh.com www.somenosmarsh.com
COWICHAN INTERCULTURAL SOCIETY Our services help immigrants & refugees build new lives in Canada. This includes English Instruction, employment, educational support & more! cowichanintercultural.org
SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVERS
WE ARE A HOME FOR INDEPENDENT SENIORS
COWICHAN FAMILY CAREGIVERS SUPPORT SOCIETY Providing free support services for families and individuals caring for loved ones in the Cowichan Valley. Community resources, education, one-to-one, groups. 250-597-0886 www.familycaregiverssupport.org
ABBEY FIELD HOUSE We provide affordable housing for seniors and we are fundraising for a stair lift to use during power outages when the elevator doesn’t work. 250 748 1352 abbeyfieldduncan.com
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FREE COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR YOUTH COWICHAN VALLEY YOUTH SERVICES Community donations will help us to address youth mental health needs in the Cowichan Valley. Donation link on the website, or call 250-748-0232 www.cvyouth.ca
