When it comes to giving back to your community, any action big or small can make a real difference and have a positive impact. I have been a huge advocate of giving back to those less fortunate since I was young thanks to my dad and I want to make a point that showing kindness doesn't always mean dollars, time is also extremely valuable. Whether you’re volunteering at your local food bank, church, or donating money to someone in need through a charity, making a difference in someone's life is amazing.
Since moving to Kingston, (it's almost been a decade since I've lived here) it's been so great to see the sense of community and how big of a heart the city has. The generosity and care are indescribable and immensely profound all year long.
So with shopping local on our minds with holiday shopping, let's get the give local movement going in Kingston! So whatever cause is close to your home or heart, give to where your passions lay.
Since moving to Kingston, (it's almost been a decade since I've lived here) it's been so great to see the sense of community and how big of a heart the city has. The generosity and care are indescribable and immensely profound all year long.
So with shopping local on our minds with holiday shopping, let's get the give local movement going in Kingston! So whatever cause is close to your home or heart, give to where your passions lay.
Scroll down to see a few organizations that hold a special place in my heart:
RESOLVE COUNSELLING
Give someone the ability to be heard! Resolve Counselling provides counselling and community services at little or no cost to individuals, couples and families in the community.To donate, click here.
LOVING SPOONFUL
Deeply committed to working to creating a healthy, food-secure community by facilitating fresh food access, skill development and community engagement. Loving Spoonful teaches hundreds of primary school children every year about good food, collaboration and community in their school garden-based curriculum. In addition, hundreds of children, families and adults learn basic, healthy, affordable cooking in their community kitchens.To donate, click here.
KINGSTON FOOD BANK
Monetary and food donations help them to nourish local families by providing groceries through their food hamper program. Being the food distribution centre for Kingston, they also donate surplus provisions to over twenty local hot meal and shelter programs in the area.To donate, click here.
MARTHA'S TABLE
Provides low-cost nutritious meals to those in need, in a safe and accepting environment. Meals are prepared and served Monday through Friday by volunteers in a restaurant-style setting for the small cost of one dollar. They also provide a relaxing and comfortable space that is open to all with access to a telephone, computers, free wifi, restrooms, breakfast, lunch, coffee/refreshments, snacks, art and other activities.To donate, click here.
LUNCH BY GEORGE
It provides a safe space, food, and friendship five days a week to hundreds of local Kingstonians. Doors open at 9am with coffee and goodies, serve soup at 10am and a full hot meal at 11am. This remains Kingston’s only downtown free food provider and tries to carry on the mission thought numerous years since they were first established.To donate, click here.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
Provides practical assistance and support to individuals and families residing in the Kingston area. All services are provided in a compassionate and respectful manner which reflects and reinforces the dignity and humanity of all persons.
To donate, click here.
To donate, click here.
HOSPICE KINGSTON
Provides comfort, companionship and support for individuals their caregivers and families living with a life-limiting illness or coping with grief and loss.
To donate, click here.
To donate, click here.
BOY AND GIRLS CLUB OF KINGSTON & AREA
A place where all children and youth are welcome. They have the ability to experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, friendships and develop confidence and skills for life. They also offer low-income assistance for those in need.To donate, click here.
KINGSTON HUMAINE SOCIETY
The only open shelter in the region, they accept every animal that is brought to them as it provides shelter and care for homeless animals and investigates cases of animal cruelty in Kingston and the surrounding communities. They are committed to providing responsible pet ownership and compassion and respect for all animals.To donate, click here.
