4 ways to give back this holiday season

While every holiday season is a chance to give back to your community, the ongoing pandemic has made helping at-risk residents this year more important than ever. 

Giving "gifts with meaning" takes on a whole new significance when the gift not only can change lives—but can save lives—and in particular, lives close to home. 

As a grassroots urban relief organization and registered charity, Harvest Project "extends a hand up, not a hand out" to individuals and families in Metro-Vancouver's North Shore communities, who need help moving forward. Their year-round work, including coaching and counselling, supports people facing family trauma and those who find themselves on the margins with the threat of poverty and homelessness.

"One-in-five North Shore families are headed by a lone parent, a primary group we see," says Kevin Lee, development officer. "This brings enlarged risks because of reduced household income and immense challenges around affordable housing and childcare. In addition, newer residents and those facing health issues and job loss also comprise a significant portion of our client base."

Lee believes, "The holidays are a time to take a moment to think about someone other than ourselves. It doesn't take much effort or resources to make a difference. If we can share the load with a lot of our neighbours in the community, then the load is lightened for everyone."

Making a gift now enables Harvest Project to provide vital support necessary to bring hope and tangible change for healthier lives to client-families. So, if you're seeking ways to help the community's most vulnerable, the joy of selfless generosity can begin with a hand up; here are four meaningful ways to give back:

1. Monetary donations

Your 2021 holiday gift provides families with a range of services and most-needed items, with a guideline on how your dollars will specifically help. A one-time gift of $10, personal hygiene products to mothers and daughters; $25, diapers; $40, first visit and connection with a new client; $50, turkey dinner; $100, month supply of cooking basics, such as flour, oil, rice, sugar; $200, a month's services for a household.

Monetary donations offered over an extended period can be even more impactful.

"Monthly support brings stability that allows us to plan and anticipate," acknowledges Lee. "We're anticipating to see an increased number of folks in 2022 because of all the pressures, be it inflation or the ongoing struggles in the job market. We're delighted with $5 a month or $50; it all helps towards the same cause."

2. Donate online, grocery gift-card program 

Harvest Project has partnered with local supermarkets to acquire gift cards to share with individuals and families struggling to purchase groceries. Gift cards not only help address food insecurity but allow people to stretch their food budgets without being stigmatized. 

"Our online campaign is an opportunity for people to bring their community group or sports team together for some peer-to-peer fundraising to provide funds for us to purchase grocery cards," explains Lee.

You can help Harvest Project acquire one or more gift cards from their local partners with your grocery gift card online donation.

3. Donate grocery item(s) at retailers

If you wish to make a physical donation, Harvest Project is working with your local grocer. "While you're shopping, you can pick up a couple of extra items and drop them in supplied food bins (usually by the checkout)," says Lee. 

You'll find bins located at Save-On-Foods (all four North Shore locations), Loblaws Lonsdale City Market, IGA West Vancouver, Fresh Street West Vancouver, Stong's Market and Safeway Lynn Valley.

Before you shop, be sure to check out the most-needed items.

4. Share your Harvest Project story on social media

Use your social savvy! Spread the word with social engagement about how you made a difference this season in somebody's life with your donation to Harvest Project.

"On our grocery fundraiser page, you can get together with your group, link to social media and invite others to join in or make a donation," says Lee. "It's a great way to share your story with your friends and explain why and how you're helping."

For more information and to donate, visit harvestproject.org.