Giving back this season ✨

This holiday season I decided to give back to my community through a "12 Days of Giving" initiative, where I did something charitable or kind for the first twelve days of December.

Especially during the holidays, I think about how lucky I am, and how many struggle during this time and throughout the year.

I decided to post about this in case it inspires someone else to contribute (even in a small way!) and it definitely has had a ripple effect; I have received donations to the causes I am supporting, messages of encouragement, and notes from friends telling me how they are helping in their communities.

Here is what I have done so far for the "12 Days of Giving":

Day 1 - Kickoff day! I donated food staples to a local mission that provides daily hot meals in the community. It felt great to help but at the same time it saddened me to think about how many people rely on these services. 💛

Day 2 - We had a photoshoot day for a recently completed project which naturally meant we had to bring in tons of fresh flowers to get the house camera ready! I picked up a couple of extra bouquets to give out to strangers. The first lady I gave them to looked shocked (I don't blame her - how random to receive flowers while you're out on a walk!) and the second woman I gave them to took them right away (almost snatched them! haha) and was beaming as soon as they were hers. 💐

Day 3 - I bought a coffee for the person in line behind me at the coffee shop. A little awkward! This whole initiative has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone in a good way. ☕️🤍

Day 4 - There was an ad in a local paper about a coat drive 🧥 for Covenant House which provides support for unhoused youth. I met with one of the organizers, realtor Lisa-Marie Doorey, who told me more about this organization and how the donations really do make an impact. A former client donated a coat too which was very heartwarming.

Day 5 - My sister told me about the City of Toronto "Holiday Wish List" which has a map of shelters in the city to be able to find one near you, a list of what they are looking for, and contact info for how to arrange a drop-off. I picked up some basics from their list of what they needed (like toothbrushes, socks, mitts) to provide to the closest shelter to me.

Day 6 - My friend was hosting a party and asked us to bring non-perishable food items to donate to a local food bank.

Day 7 - There is the funniest Christmas display on my street of a tree decorated like Santa that makes me smile every time I see it. I have wanted to compliment my neighbours on it but I haven't seen them out, so I left them a little thank you note in their mailbox. 💌 Hopefully it brightened their day and gives them motivation to continue with it next year knowing that it is appreciated.

Day 8 - My local yoga studio is collecting winter clothing for a local women's shelter. I dropped off a sweater and scarf on my way to class. 🧘🏼‍♀️

Day 9 - I have been seeing the Second Harvest trucks in the neighbourhood which provide surplus food to shelters and organizations throughout the city and Canada. They are holding a raffle to fundraise, so I bought some tickets. Helping and having fun - can't go wrong! 🎟

Day 10 - Reviews can be so helpful to small businesses. I wrote 5-star reviews for 10 businesses that I have purchased from or interacted with. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Day 11 - My friend told me about Native Arts Society who has been collecting baby items annually for the past nine years to send up North to Nunavut where the cost of basics can be as much as 2-10x higher than it is here. I picked up some baby supplies to drop off to them.

Day 12 - In honour of my late grandmother and late father who loved Christmas, I started a fundraised for the Canadian Cancer Society. So far (as of 4pm on Friday December 13th) we have already raised over $275 to reach my goal of $500. If you feel called to donate, you can use this link (which only works in the Instagram phone app and not on the computer or desktop): https://www.instagram.com/linking/fundraiser?fundraiser_id=824657499703105&source_name=SHARE_LINK

It has been a rewarding challenge and a wonderful way to get into the giving spirit this holiday season. I would love to know... Do you have any charities or organizations that are close to your heart? Please drop me a line and let me know as I would like to make note of them for our upcoming charitable contributions.

Wishing you a happy holiday season,

Amy