To me, the holidays are about children. Mine are healthy and happy. I'm able to give them many of the material things they wish for. How very lucky we are. As we count down the final days 'til Christmas 2006, I count my blessings and can't help but think of those who are less fortunate, as well as what makes a gift truly meaningful.
Anyone on your list known as Difficult to Buy For? One of the easiest ways to give a meaningful gift is to make a donation in their name to one of their favourite charities, then write a simple card letting them know. If you don't know a charity they would like, try one that touches you. I've gathered a list of some that get to my gooey center - those where children are the priority.
HOLE IN THE WALL CAMPS
A not-for-profit organization totally supported by charitable contributions. Hole in the Wall Camps are the dream of actor Paul Newman, who started the first camp in 1988 and has been the driving force ever since. Hole in the Wall Camps are the world's largest family of camps for children with serious illnesses and life threatening conditions. Children with cancer, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, and many other conditions come to Camp to experience the simple joys of childhood, without compromising any of their medical needs thanks to the state-of-the-art medical care. To date, more than 100,000 seriously ill children from 34 states and 31 countries have attended the Camps free of charge.
Anyone on your list known as Difficult to Buy For? One of the easiest ways to give a meaningful gift is to make a donation in their name to one of their favourite charities, then write a simple card letting them know. If you don't know a charity they would like, try one that touches you. I've gathered a list of some that get to my gooey center - those where children are the priority.
A not-for-profit organization totally supported by charitable contributions. Hole in the Wall Camps are the dream of actor Paul Newman, who started the first camp in 1988 and has been the driving force ever since. Hole in the Wall Camps are the world's largest family of camps for children with serious illnesses and life threatening conditions. Children with cancer, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, and many other conditions come to Camp to experience the simple joys of childhood, without compromising any of their medical needs thanks to the state-of-the-art medical care. To date, more than 100,000 seriously ill children from 34 states and 31 countries have attended the Camps free of charge.
Provides bi-lingual, anonymous counselling to children's and teens across Canada, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Counsellors are available to answer calls and online questions and to provide immediate and caring support, information and, if necessary, referral to a local community or social service agency.
Part of the largest not-for-profit wish granting organization in the world (Make-A-Wish Foundation) serving thirty countries with International affiliates on five continents. The foundation exists for one purpose - to fulfil the special wishes of children age 3 - 17 who have a life-threatening illness.
Reach for the Rainbow develops integrated opportunities, enriching the lives of children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities, their families and the communities in which they belong. Working with its Partners in Integration, RFTR provides integrated recreational, respite and outreach opportunities across the province of Ontario.
A network of 22 pediatric hospitals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico that provide specialized care for orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. All services are provided at no charge.
A non-profit organization dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families by providing a broad array of both in-hospital and out patient programs designed to enhance their ability to cope with the stress of illness. A leader in delivering distractive entertainment therapies, the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation Canada is able to touch the lives of over 8,000 seriously ill children and their families each month.
STREET KIDS INTERNATIONAL
A non-profit agency founded in Canada and a global leader in developing and disseminating the strategies and tools needed to give street kids around the world the choices, skills, and opportunities to make a better life for themselves. They team with youth workers to develop locally relevant, innovative workshops using award winning animations that engage kids about sexual health, drug use and youth entrepreneurship. Having worked with more than 2 million street kids in over 60 countries, Street Kids International has been recognized by the United Nations as a Global Best practice leader in youth work.
*Exerpts from websites of charities listed above.
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