As Canadian Thanksgiving approaches, it's important to reflect on the issues that impact the lives of many Canadians. We are often approached by businesses asking for advice on how to give back during this time of thanks, so we drew together a list of 10 great charities in Canada that your business can support this Thanksgiving. Given the rise in the cost of housing and food since the pandemic, we selected 5 charities that provide meals to the hungry (especially children) and 5 that provide shelter to the homeless.
Despite being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, food insecurity and homelessness are growing problems in Canada. Over 5.8 million Canadians, including 1.4 million children, live in households that struggle with food insecurity. Rising living costs and inflation have exacerbated this issue, leaving families unable to afford basic necessities. At the same time, over 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness every year, with increasing pressure on shelter services in urban areas like Toronto and Vancouver. These figures underscore the urgent need for support, particularly during a season that focuses on giving and gratitude.
To address these alarming trends, many charities across Canada are working tirelessly to provide assistance. Some focus on food programs for children, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals, while others provide shelter and essential services to those experiencing homelessness. These charities offer a wide range of support services, from emergency food delivery and meal programs to temporary housing and transitional services. By donating or partnering with these organizations, businesses can help improve the lives of thousands of Canadians, ensuring that they have the sustenance and shelter they need during these difficult times.
Businesses Supporting Canadian Charities
Danone to Breakfast Club of Canada:
As a Founding Partners of the Breakfast Club of Canada, Danone has been nurturing children’s potential by giving them access to a healthy breakfast in a safe environment for over 20 years. In addition to its >$1m annual commitment to the BCC, Danone donates one Danone product for every 8 cups of Danone Yogurt bought in shops. This initiative has raised significant funds and created strong community engagement, highlighting how businesses can make a lasting impact by aligning with charitable causes.
Here are a few of the best charities to support this Thanksgiving:
5 Charities that Provide Food in Canada:
5 Charities That Provide Shelter to the Homeless in Canada:
Check out some other causes to donate to
5 Charities that Provide Food in Canada
Breakfast Club of Canada
Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Boucherville, Quebec, Breakfast Club of Canada works to ensure that every child has access to a nutritious breakfast at school, giving them a better chance at success. Partnering with schools across the nation, they focus on creating sustainable breakfast programs that reach vulnerable children. Today, they serve over 500,000 kids every school day, making a huge impact on students' ability to learn and thrive.
Impact: The charity has provided more than 271 million breakfasts to children across Canada.
Food Banks Canada
Established in 1989 and based in Mississauga, Ontario, Food Banks Canada is a national organization supporting a network of over 4,500 food banks and community agencies. Their mission is to alleviate hunger by distributing food to those in need, including many children. They also advocate for long-term solutions to end food insecurity across the country, making a large-scale impact on Canadian communities.
Impact: Food Banks Canada helps feed 1.1 million Canadians monthly, with more than one-third being children.
Blessings in a Backpack
Blessings in a Backpack Canada, founded in 2013 and based in Oakville, Ontario, addresses the issue of weekend hunger by providing children with backpacks filled with nutritious food. The charity works with schools to identify children who rely on school meal programs and ensures they don’t go hungry over the weekend. Their efforts help reduce the stress and insecurity many children face regarding where their next meal will come from.
Impact: This organization supports 21,000 children across the country each weekend.
Check out some other causes to donate to
Mary's Meals
Launched in 2011 and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mary’s Meals Canada focuses on providing daily meals to children in educational settings, encouraging school attendance and improving learning outcomes. With a global reach, they believe that food and education can break the cycle of poverty. In Canada, they help children in need by working with local partners to deliver meals in schools and communities.
Impact: Mary’s Meals globally serves over 2 million meals each day, significantly supported by its Canadian branch.
President's Choice Children's Charity
Started by Loblaw Companies Limited in 1989 and based in Brampton, Ontario, President’s Choice Children’s Charity is dedicated to helping Canadian children access nutritious food. Their primary focus is funding nutrition programs that feed children in schools, while also offering grants to schools and communities for their meal initiatives. Their goal is to ensure no child has to learn on an empty stomach.
Impact: They have contributed more than $150 million to support child nutrition programs across Canada.
5 Charities That Provide Shelter to the Homeless in Canada
Covenant House (ON & BC)
Covenant House, established in 1982, is Canada’s largest agency dedicated to supporting homeless and trafficked youth. Based in Toronto & Vancouver, they provide safe housing, healthcare, educational support, and employment programs to help at-risk youth transition to independent living. Their mission is to offer a safe place and comprehensive services for young people who are homeless or vulnerable.
Impact: Covenant House Toronto has assisted over 95,000 young people since its founding.
Check out some other causes to donate to
Homes First Society
Homes First Society, founded in 1980, operates out of Toronto, Ontario, and provides supportive housing and shelter to the city's most marginalized homeless population. The organization focuses on long-term, affordable housing solutions for individuals who face chronic homelessness, often due to mental health or addiction issues. Their approach is centered on providing safe, stable housing to promote dignity and self-sufficiency.
Impact: Homes First Society manages 1,600 housing units and emergency shelters in Toronto.
The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed, founded in 1984 and based in Calgary, Alberta, is a Christian charity focused on providing food, shelter, and essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness. They run shelters, offer supportive housing, and provide job training and wellness programs. The charity’s mission is to help people in poverty regain independence and hope for a brighter future.
Impact: The Mustard Seed serves over 700,000 meals annually and offers more than 500,000 shelter bed stays each year.
Fred Victor
Fred Victor, based in Toronto and established in 1894, is an organization dedicated to reducing homelessness through the provision of affordable housing and social services. They offer shelters, meal programs, and health services, and work to improve the income stability of vulnerable populations. Their goal is to help individuals transition from homelessness to stable housing and self-reliance.
Impact: Fred Victor provides more than 1,500 shelter beds nightly and helps over 2,000 individuals secure permanent housing each year.
Raising the Roof
Since its founding in 1996, Raising the Roof has been committed to finding long-term solutions to homelessness in Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, this charity focuses on prevention and awareness through public education campaigns, as well as funding housing and employment programs for at-risk individuals. Their mission is to create systemic change to address homelessness at its roots.
Impact: Raising the Roof has funded over 600 projects to prevent homelessness in Canada.
Check out some other causes to donate to
Supporting any of these impactful charities this Thanksgiving is a meaningful way for businesses to give back and strengthen their ties to their communities. Not only does this create positive change, but it also fosters a sense of shared purpose with customers and employees.
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