There’s no better way to celebrate the season of giving than a day dedicated to doing just that!
This Tuesday, November 29th is Giving Tuesday — a revolutionary movement that is dedicated to inspiring generosity, fostering a sense of community and creating positive change in our communities and across the world. In 2021 alone, $43.6 million was donated online across Canada on Giving Tuesday.
There’s no shortage of incredible organizations and charities in Uxbridge that are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Uxbridge residents. Here are just a few of the wonderful organizations you can support in our community this Giving Tuesday and throughout the remainder of the holiday season.
Uxbridge Cares
Uxbridge Cares is a community organization dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of the local families in our community. Every winter, Uxbridge Cares launches a Holiday Basket Drive in collaboration with multiple local businesses to gather donations tailored to the needs of specific families, with residents invited to donate items or gift cards to each basket.
This year, Uxbridge Cares will be collecting donations until Sunday, December 11th. The full list of participating businesses and basket wishlists for 2022 can be found on the Uxbridge Cares Facebook page.
Uxbridge Cares also operates the Little Free Pantry, currently located outside of the Uxbridge Public Library’s entrance off of Toronto St. Donations are always welcome and encouraged.
Loaves and Fishes Food Bank
With food security at an all-time high, a donation to The Uxbridge Loaves and Fishes Food Bank will go a long way this holiday season! The Loaves and Fishes Food Bank is based out of the St. Andrew’s Chalmers Presbyterian Church, with donation bins set up at Zehrs, Pharmasave and Trail Capital IDA. If you wish to make a financial donation, they may be made by cash or cheque to:
Uxbridge Loaves and Fishes Food Bank
40B Toronto Street South, Uxbridge, ON
L9P 1G9
A full list of current food bank needs and suggestions can be found here.
Cam’s Kids
Founded in Uxbridge, Cam’s Kids is committed to providing support to young people dealing with anxiety by helping them identify anxiety and get the resources they need to manage and overcome it.
Since 2019, Cam’s Kids has been holding a Christmas ornament fundraiser with 100% of ALL proceeds from their sales going back to the Cam’s Kids Foundation. These unique, handmade ornaments can be purchased at Presents Presents Presents both in-store and online. If you wish to make a monetary donation to the Cam’s Kids Foundation, visit their website.
Uxbridge Toy Drive
Every year, the Uxbridge Toy Drive collects and distributes hundreds of toys for children in the community. A full wish list for 2022 has been posted at www.uxbridgetoydrive.com. Cash and gift cards are also accepted! Donation bins can be found at:
- Bodyfit
- Canadian Tire Uxbridge
- McDonald’s
- Zehrs
- The Uxbridge Arena during Uxbridge Bruins home games
The final day to donate toys will be Sunday, December 18th in order to allow enough time to pick up, sort and distribute toys in time for Christmas. If you would like to volunteer with sorting and distributing, email Andy Luukkonen at andy@bodyfit.ca.
Uxbridge Hospital Foundation
The Uxbridge Hospital Foundation’s mission is to encourage support from individuals and businesses within the community and raise funds for new equipment, renovations and/or special projects for the Uxbridge site of Markham Stouffville Hospital.
Donations to the Uxbridge Hospital Foundation can be made by mail, online, in-person or by phone. Alternatively, you can also support the UHF this holiday season through the Uxbridge Hospital Auxiliary and their second-hand store, Chances Are.
Uxbridge-Scugog Pet Food Bank
The Uxbridge-Scugog Pet Food Bank is dedicated to combating food insecurity for those with four-legged family members. As a registered charity, online donations can be made through Canada Helps or via e-transfer at uxscpetfoodbank@gmail.com.
Full details and a list of most-needed items can be found on their Facebook page.
