Charity Donations

[massageseeker]

Its that time of year again, trying to find a charity to donate at the end of year.
I really like Childrens Hospital....

I have found some charities are not always charities even though they give you a reciept. I would like to find more charities where very little of the money goes thru admin. and most $$$ goes direct to group.

I know there is probably 1000's but any ideas guys... need new suggestions..

Please no charities that use the money to fight controversial complex causes.. just ones that help people direct that need the assistance.

 

[dirk_dog]

Childrens Hospital is good.
Or anywhere you can donate toys for kids is good.

 

[ironchef]

i just go for the standard ones.....sorry, i don't believe in united way, i like to go directly to heart and stroke, bc cancer, diabetes, childrens hospital, etc.

 

[Penhold]

No shortage of charities and worthwhile causes to support.

If you live in the lower mainland, here's a few that often seem to get overlooked or of which people are not aware and that are deserving of support.

1. The Union Gospel Mission. It provides food, shelter and support for downtown eastside residents down on their luck.

2. WISH, the charity that has been mentioned on PERB before and works with downtown eastside sex trade workers to provide them with counselling services and support. Website is http://www.wish-vancouver.net/
WISH "provides a safe and caring atmosphere for women sex trade workers. Offers support, health care services, advocacy, referrals, literacy program, meals, refreshments, showers, condoms, and personal care items."

3. Battered Women's Support Services (BWSS) Society. No person should have to feel trapped in an abusive relationship.

4. Cinderella Project. I love its name. This charity will make you feel very good and every dollar contributed will go directly to the cause (since its staffed entirely by volunteers). You can also donate your suits, ballroom gowns, jewellery, etc... This charity started in Vancouver and its objective is to provide underprivileged highschool graduates with the formal gowns, suits, shoes, undergarments, handbags, etc... that they need so that they can attend their highschool graduation and not be left out because they can't afford the clothes necessary to attend. The concept has gained momentum and is spreading throughout Canada and the United States. From it's website:

"One hundred percent of the funding and merchandise donated by our sponsors goes directly towards operating and promoting the Cinderella Project, which provides formal wear and accessories to underprivileged graduates who would otherwise not be able to attend their high school graduation celebrations."

Check out its website: www.thecinderellaproject.com

There are many other worthwhile causes out there that don't get the high-profile that the United Way, Salvation Army and other major charities and fund-raising organizations have.

I'm looking forward to hearing of other low profile but worthwhile causes to support.

 

[OkanaganGent]

Consider Charitable Foundations

Massageseeker:

There are literally thousands of worthy charities and they are not all well funded.

Charitable Foundations by law must only grant money to registered charities. With a Foundation, the amount you donate is kept invested, and the income from the investments are donated to charity.

I am assuming you live in the lower mainland so you might contact the Vancouver Foundation for more info or feel free to PM me.

OK Gent

 

[massageseeker]

thanks.. these all seem very good.. , I mean my contribution is not going to be 100, 000 but every little counts.. and I dont want .25 of every one of my dollars donated to go to a company that looks after their fundraising.

No offence, I think those companies are "ok" b/c they are generating cash for the agencies that need it. They .25 is to cover overhead.... but if I can give direct ... I would feel a lot better about it...

 

[wolverine]

I don't mind donating through the United Way, it allows me to contribute via payroll deduction.

 

[crustyclown]

Same, same Wolvie...and u can specify which agencies the funds go to...

 

[LonelyGhost]

SPCA
Meow-aid (vancouver)
Victoria cat rescue society

or volunteer your time to play with the animals at the shelter.

need an exercise program? become a dog walker for the spca -- you make a new friend who loves you unconditionally and you save on the gym membership.

don't forget that the spca and other animal organizations can use old bedding, towels and even clothing for making beds for animals that would otherwise be sleeping on metal or concrete.

finally: talk to your local pet stores about only selling pets that are provided by the animal shelters -- Petcetra is very good at only having dogs and cats from the local shelter!

and don't give pets as gifts!!!

thanks

 

[chuck1561]

I was also just speaking with someone recently about local schools and never knew they were set up to accept cheritable donations... maybe you could donate to a school that is in a "not so good area" so they could buy musical instruments or new basket balls?

that's a kewl idea Paige! there are Lots of good one's out there. even volunteering one's time is a nice thing to do if it can be spared

 

[taiga]

Engines.

For me, I donate to the firefighters fund. Usually they save up for equipment in the burn unit or for a new engine.