Published: Nov 25, 2021
Elizabeth Dunn is a researcher at the University of British Columbia. In a recent study, participants were given some money, with half told to spend it on themselves and half told to spend it on someone else. The findings showed that those who spent the cash on someone else felt happier than those who bought something for themselves. In the spirit of sharing happiness during the holiday season, here are four organizations that offer joy to the purchaser, the receiver, and the end beneficiary.
Canadian Feed the Children
Canadian Feed the Children is a 35-year-old independent, secular development agency that takes a community-led approach to improving food security. For $25 you can give the gift of three chicks that will grow up to lay 1,000 eggs a year, providing food and an income to a family in need. Other gifts include clean water, fresh produce, and school meals.
Wounded Warriors
Wounded Warriors Canada provides mental health programs for veterans, first responders, and their families. As we come to the end of a year that saw a pandemic, extreme heatwave, fires, and floods, we can only imagine the toll this important work takes on those who take care of us. You can donate here.
Food Banks
Food Banks support people in need with pantry staples, as well as special programs for children and the support of community gardens to provide greater access to fresh produce and new skills. You can find a local Food Bank here, or donate online to Foods Banks Canada.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity provides opportunities for low-income families to purchase their own home. In 2020, 200 working families with low-income became new homeowners through Habitat, housing more than 700 people. This holiday season, the first $50,000 in donations to Habitat for Humanity Canada will be matched by Westland Insurance, doubling the gift.
Happy shopping!
Ameri-Can Logistics Ltd. is a trucking company servicing shipping ports, railroad depots, and communities throughout North America. Operating 24/7/365 with continuous dispatch services, businesses have relied on Ameri-Can to distribute their products to buyers in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, for three decades.
