Christmas is such a special time for most of us. For me, it means spending time with the kids while they’re home, and creating memories to last a lifetime. That’s really the only gift this gorgie needs. 🙂
But to GIVE, that’s the true Christmas spirit, isn’t it? Whether it’s giving of your time, helping another, or making a donation…
For some ideas on ways to give back, I’ve rounded-up some really easy, practical options. Whether you’re into fashion, yoga or animals, there’s something here for every taste and budget.
Merry giving!
1. Donate a coat and save on your next purchase: For every worn coat you bring into the store until Dec. 25th, J.Crew will donate it to the organization One Warm Coat, which provides clothing to those in-need. In-return for yours, they’ll take $25 off your next $125 purchase. Thank you J.Crew!
2. Necklaces worth giving (and giving again): The Giving Keys. Simple choose a word like DREAM or INSPIRE, buy a necklace, give it to someone, and in-turn, help employ people transitioning out of homelessness.
3. Handcrafted fashion and accessories: We love Me to We’s bracelets, greeting cards and t-shirts. Many of the items are made in Africa by local crafters, and proceeds go back to support their community, education and access to water. Cool feature: You can enter a code online to see where your item was made, and where your funds go too.
4. Recycle your old denim and help put a roof over a family: The Blue Jeans Go Green program takes your used jeans and up-cycles the denim to make insulation for homes under construction for those in-need, such as Habitat for Humanity. Big name celebs like Brittany Spears have lent their support to this organization.
5. Support Animals and Pet Adoption
Whether you’re looking to adopt a pet or to donate funds, in Canada, the SPCA makes a great place to start. Another option, follow legendary actress Betty White, and support the Morris Animal Foundation.
6. Feed a child, gift an animal, shop ethically made products: World Vision. It’s one of the best known organizations where your donations can be used in the most creative, useful ways. And really, where else can you gift a cow to a local farmer who needs it most?
7. Spread the gift of yoga, help empower African teachers: This one is close to our yogi heart. The Africa Yoga Project is located in Nairobi, Kenya. Along with a massive shrine offering yoga classes, their mission is to give Kenyans the tools and training to become yoga teachers, so they can find employment – and self-empowerment.
8. Plate-up for the Planet. Take a pledge to eat vegan for a week and help spread the word about plant-based nutrition, not just for your health, but the health of the planet too. Research shows eating less meat is one of the most significant ways we can reduce environmental damage.
9. Buy Apple (RED) products to support HIV/AIDS programs around the world. From iPhone cases to watch bands, you’ve got love Apple for giving us more reason to stock-up on our favourite tech accessories, while helping those in need.
10. Support maternal health and education with this Clare Vivier x EMC sweatshirt. Born from a deep friendship between designer Clare V. and model Christy Turlington, 100% of net proceeds go to Every Mother Counts, an amazing organization that helps promote and support maternal health all over the world.