How to Make Your Community Better, One Charity at a Time

Make a difference in your own backyard by supporting charitable organizations that are working to make the world a better place

It’s time to treat yourself—by giving to someone else. That’s right: giving to others is one of the best ways to improve your self-esteem, confidence, personal satisfaction and actual brain science, since doing so creates the same reaction in the brain that occurs when we exercise, eat amazing food, or behave affectionately toward another.

From a business perspective, giving is an essential part of corporate responsibility planning. Charitable donations or participation in various organizations’ event is an excellent way to connect businesses to community and holds a world of possibility for team-building and community involvement activities with employees. Businesses attract and retain clients, give their reputation a boost, and attract more qualified candidates when they participate in charity evening activities.

So, what are you waiting for? Cap off your holiday season with a year-long resolution to become involved with some of Vancouver’s most hard-working charitable organizations and help make your community better. Whether making a cash donation, fundraising through action, grant matching or volunteering, there is always a way to help. Here are just a few of the organizations that could use your support and offer corporate giving programs and events.

MOSAIC

Since 1976, MOSAIC has worked tirelessly to strengthen communities by supporting newcomers in building their new lives in Canada through economic, social and cultural development. MOSAIC has a full roster of comprehensive programs and services that are designed to benefit immigrants, refugees, migrant workers, LGBTQIA2+ communities, racialized communities, international students, temporary foreign workers and those from diverse backgrounds to help advance an inclusive and thriving Canada.

MOSAIC has over 425 staff, 400 volunteers and partners with over 50 community networks. Staff and volunteers work together with these community partners through employment, settlement, language services, children and family programs, youth and seniors’ programs, support for Private Sponsorship and Refugees, and counselling and health promotion to further success and a sense of belonging. MOSAIC is also the largest provider of employment services for newcomers in BC and partners with over 1,500 employers.

MOSAIC has been sponsoring Afghan refugees since 2021 and aims to sponsor around 700 people—including families, women and children, and single refugee women—through its Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.

So far, the program has brought 82 Afghan refugees to Canada—many of whom supported Canada’s peacekeeping efforts in the country before the Taliban takeover.  Millions of Afghan people have been forcibly displaced by the Taliban, human rights violations—especially against women and girls—and two major earthquakes. They live in daily fear for their lives.

“We are leaders in a massive effort to bring Afghan refugee families to a safe, new life,” says Sharon Butler, Director of Strategic Engagement and Partnerships from MOSAIC. “We need to raise $3 million by the end of 2024 to bring all 700 people to safety, and we need your help.”

Donations to MOSAIC save lives, bring people to safety and help with hefty resettlement fees—an average of $20,000 for a single person or $35,000 for a family of four.

“One hundred percent of donations will go to provide necessities of life and settlement support,” Butler says. “Everyone deserves a place to call home.”

Vancouver Foundation

Vancouver Foundation is dedicated to creating healthy, vibrant, livable and equitable communities across BC. The organization was founded in 1943 by Alice McKay with a first donation of $1,000. Since then, together with donors, Vancouver Foundation has distributed more than $1 billion to charities.

“We connect generous donors with the energy, time and ideas of inspired people across British Columbia,” says Craig Hikida, Vice President, Donor Services. “Together, we’ve been making meaningful, lasting impacts by supporting local charities. We’ve helped hundreds of donors create their legacies to make a positive impact in their communities. We’ve also helped hundreds of charities grow with endowment funds that offer stable income to support their mission.”

“We believe in community self-determination,” Hikida adds. “This has led our grant programs to be increasingly built on the principles of trust-based philanthropy.”

In practice, it has meant moving toward offering more unrestricted funding, multi-year and operational grants, and removing barriers for grant-seekers.

With donor-advised funds, individuals can establish a charitable endowment fund, receive a donation tax credit and recommend grants over time. Vancouver Foundation provides expertise and investment options, so donors can leave a lasting impact.

“You believe in a better world, and you want to help make it happen,” Hikida says. “At Vancouver Foundation, we share your optimism. We believe in the power of giving and, with your help, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact in our communities—together.”

Kidney Foundation of Canada – BC & Yukon Branch

Since 1964, the Kidney Foundation has supported world class kidney health and transplant research, facilitated by community donors who are vital to the tremendous advancements the organization has seen over the years in kidney care. Some of the major milestones include better prediction and prevention of kidney disease, development and improvements in dialysis treatment, so kidney patients can dialyse at home, and breakthroughs in life-saving organ transplantation and success.

“Donor support is key to even more discoveries in the years to come,” says Ramya Hosak, Director of Philanthropy with Kidney Foundation of Canada – BC & Yukon Branch. “We have the power to relieve the burden of kidney disease, but it’s only possible with your help.”

The Kidney Foundation of Canada – BC & Yukon Branch has served thousands of kidney patients in the local community, ensuring marginalized and vulnerable populations have equitable access to programs, services and treatments.

“The overwhelming support from the significant number of impacted kidney patients in the community in spreading the word about our support services, resources, research and community engagement events has been instrumental in reaching businesses and donors,” Hosak says.

A current initiative from Kidney Foundation is Choosing Kidney Car—a hassle-free way to get rid of an old vehicle while benefiting kidney patients across BC and Yukon.

The program picks up all kinds of vehicles, running or not, usually within 48 hours, leaving behind a charitable tax receipt for $700 or more. Vehicles donated to the program are 100% recycled or sold to be re-used.

“It’s the fastest, easiest and most trustworthy way to get rid of an unwanted vehicle,” Hosak says. “By doing so you will support the 1 in 10 Canadians living with chronic kidney disease. Help improve lives and donate your vehicle today.”

The Salvation Army

As the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada, The Salvation Army offers unprecedented support to society’s most vulnerable. “When you give to The Salvation Army, you are giving hope today by investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people,” says Gina Haggett, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations from The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army was founded by William Booth in London, England, in 1865. In 1882 they began work in Canada and immediately started to help those in need.

Today, it operates community and social service programs that feed, clothe and shelter individuals and families, while helping those living in crisis escape violence and addiction.

“Across British Columbia, The Salvation Army operates in over 50 communities, over 400 communities across Canada, and more than 130 countries around the world,” Haggett says. “We provide direct, practical and compassionate support to over two million people each year in Canada.”

Last year across the country, 3.9 million meals were served at shelters and in feeding programs, 359,000 people were helped at Christmas with food hampers and toys, 1,500,000 people were assisted with food, clothing or practical assistance, and 1,100 people were helped when an emergency or natural disaster struck. Those numbers don’t include 115,000 students who were fed through school meal programs or the 4,800 shelter, addictions, detox and mental health beds provided.

“Financial support is needed to continue to fund our vital programs and services,” Haggett says. “Many of our programs rely on the hard work and time our volunteers give.”

Learn more about these organizations at:

MOSAIC | mosaicbc.org
Kidney Foundation of Canada – BC & Yukon Branch | kidney.ca
Vancouver Foundation | vancouverfoundation.ca
The Salvation Army | salvationarmy.ca

Created by BCBusiness in partnership with BC Charities