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Don’t hate me, it’s true: The holiday season is around the corner. Even Starbucks had their snowy decorations up, and winter flavours and cups out, starting November 1!
In the spirit of giving, as this season so often brings, why not participate in one (or more!) of the many initiatives coming up around our area? Living in London, Ontario, I’ve seen the great strides and efforts many local companies take to support the communities in which they do business. Whichever charity or program you choose to support, there’s something for everyone, and every organization.
Here’s a short list of just some of the charity drives kicking off in December:
- Business Cares Food Drive (http://businesscares.ca/)
Starting December 1st and running until the 22nd, Business Cares Food Drive encourages companies and employees to either host food drives and collect groceries or donate cash toward the London and Area Food Bank. Last year, 218,000 lbs. of food was donated to the food bank, up from 161,000 lbs. in 2008!
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Holiday Wrapping (http://www.bbbsola.org/)
BBBSOLA (Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area) is looking for volunteers to wrap gifts for customers at Masonville Mall, December 1-24 during various hours of the day and weekends. All proceeds go directly to BBBSOLA, supporting initiatives such as child safety programs and Big-Little mentor relationships.
- Goodwill Donation Drive (http://www.goodwillindustries.ca/)
Set up a donation bin at your workplace and collect items such as clothing, toys and sports equipments. Goodwill recycles donated goods to create work opportunities for persons who face disabilities and other barriers to employment.
- A Dickens Dinner (http://www.fanshawepioneervillage.ca)
Why not have a different kind of staff holiday party this year, and treat your team to A Dickens Dinner, a Victorian-style dinner and performance. All proceeds from the events support the Fanshawe Pioneer Village BIG ON HISTORY! capital campaign. A Dickens Dinner runs December 2, 3 and 4, and 9, 10 and 11 at the Pioneer Village Cafe.
