Feeling passionate about a cause and want to do what you can to make a difference? It can be easy to take action and make an impact! Whether you’re on a budget or just looking for more ways to help, here are 11 ways to support your favourite cause and make a lasting impact.

1. Take action and sign a petition.

Gone are the days when you had to knock door-to-door to ask for signatures in support of a petition. Online petitions are a quick and easy way to launch and show your support. Launch one on your own, or sign one in support of a cause close to your heart.

2. Share on social media.

Signed a petition? Donated to a charity you like? Share it! By sharing on social media, you’re driving awareness for the cause you support by sharing it with others. It is also free, convenient, and an effective way to show that you care.

3. Join a marathon, bowl-a-thon, or other thon in support of charity!

Participating in a charity run is an excellent way to challenge yourself and raise funds for a cause you care about. Not only do you get to challenge yourself, workout, socialize, you join a community supporting each other to achieve a common goal for a greater good.

4. Make a donation to your favourite charity.

Every dollar makes a difference and making a donation is one of the best ways to make an impact. You can choose to make a one-time donation or give monthly. With a scheduled donation, you can make an impact month after month!

When you set up a scheduled donation with CanadaHelps, you can create, modify, or even cancel a monthly donation online, anytime. You also will receive one roll-up tax receipt at the end of the year to make tax time a breeze. Plus, there are benefits for your favourite charity when you give monthly! Monthly giving helps charities budget for important programs and spend less time on fundraising. This means they will have more time to focus on the important work they do. Get started and set up a scheduled donation today.

5. Launch a fundraiser and rally your community to give!

Just like you would encourage someone to see a movie or TV show you love, tell your loved ones about your favourite cause and urge them to join you in support. Online fundraisers are the easiest way to do this. Share why you’ve chosen the cause you are fundraising for, your goal, and deadline.

6. Organize a drive and get others involved.

No matter how big or small, charitable community drives can have a big impact. Organize a toy, clothing, food, or blood drive and bring people together for a great cause.

7. Ask for donations as gifts.

Have a birthday, wedding, or other special occasion coming up? Ask your friends and family to donate to your favourite charity instead of buying you gifts for the occasion.

8. Give a Charity Gift Card!

Give the gift of giving! Buying a gift for someone? Make it thoughtful and purchase a Charity Gift Card on CanadaHelps.org. You choose the design and value, and your recipient will choose which charity should receive the funds. You get a tax receipt and your recipient feels great giving! Plus, you can order Charity Gift Cards from CanadaHelps in bulk which are the perfect gifts for employees or event attendees.

9. Donate unwanted items to a charity in need.

Many charities accept donated items such as clothes, furniture, books, toys, appliances, etc. Consider donating gently used items or items that are of no good use to you, instead of throwing them out.

10. Learn why donations of securities are a great way to give!

Did you know that when you donate securities or mutual funds, capital gains tax do not apply, allowing you to give more? Help make a bigger impact by donating stocks, mutual funds, segregated funds, bonds or shares with CanadaHelps. Learn more about the benefits and how you can get started here.

11. Donate your skills and volunteer your time.

Many charities run solely on generous volunteers who donate their time. Offering your skills and time pro-bono allows you to provide a firsthand contribution to the efforts of your favourite charity. Volunteering also provides a natural sense of accomplishment and makes you feel like you really made a difference!

The more you give, the happier you will feel so give generously! Have a way to give not on this list? Comment below or share your ideas with CanadaHelps on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or, if you’re feeling inspired to give to make a direct impact in support of your favourite charities, browse charities on CanadaHelps and give today!

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Updated on November 1, 2024