Whether you’re the type who gives back year-round or want to do more to give back in the wake of a holiday season, there are many great organizations in our community we can support.

Team GMD has compiled a list of local charities, broken up by region, that could use your help to support the most vulnerable in our community during the holidays.

 It can be difficult to choose where our donations should go, here are our top picks for organizations local to British Columbia in need of your contribution this holiday season.

Aunt LeahsStill need a tree? Consider purchasing a real one from one of Aunt Leah’s Tree Lots. Through the purchase of a Christmas tree, you and your family members can revive holiday memories while supporting a cause that helps prevent youth from becoming homeless and mothers from losing custody of their children.

United Way

Your support at United Way in Powell River can assist people across a broad spectrum of needs. Donations and volunteering services go towards food banks, the rental bank, and helping families struggling to make ends meet. The aid that they provide helps keep our community strong by supporting those struggling to keep up with the cost of rent, food prices, and any other unanticipated expenses that life may present.

Cultural CentreIn the Sea to Sky region, you can make a true difference and be a proud supporter of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh L̓il̓wat7úl Cultural Centre. Your donation will support meaningful employment and cultural revitalization programs for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation). This is a non-profit initiative, an Indigenous-owned organization, and it employs over 90% Indigenous Ambassadors.

These are just three of many organizations that you can help. If you’re looking for more options, check out our Seasons of Giving Guidedby Spotlights for organizations in the Lower Mainland, Sea-to-Sky, and Coastal regions.

Everyone deserves to feel they belong, to be supported and unconditionally loved. Your contribution (however simple) is one of the best things you can do for those most in need, but it also shows that as a community we stand strong together, and there’s nothing more important or fulfilling than that. Through donations, volunteering food and clothing drives, or community outreach programs, we can all take part in helping others. Let’s give back together this holiday season!