Ways to Give Back
Giving to charity is a simple way to help people and strengthen your community. In Canada, there are many trusted organizations working on health, hunger, education, disaster relief and more. Below is a guide to ten great charities you can support in Canada.
1. UNICEF Canada
UNICEF focuses on children’s rights, health and education around the world. Donations help provide vaccines, safe water, emergency relief and schooling supplies. You can give one-time or monthly, sponsor specific items like water kits or support emergency appeals after disasters. Corporate and workplace matching options are common too.
2. Human Appeal Canada
Human Appeal Canada supports families affected by poverty, conflict and disasters. Programs include food parcels, clean water wells, medical aid and orphan support. You can donate to seasonal campaigns (like winter warmth), emergency responses or longer-term development projects that build self-reliance.
3. Penny Appeal Canada
Penny Appeal Canada runs local and international programs, with a strong focus on poverty relief. In Canada, they support food programs, shelter initiatives and youth services. Internationally, they fund clean water, education and emergency aid. You can give to specific campaigns, start a fundraiser or become a monthly donor.
4. Canadian Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross is often first on the scene when fires, floods and storms strike. Your donation helps with emergency lodging, food, health services and reunification for families. They also offer first-aid training and disaster-preparedness programs. You can give to the general fund or to targeted disaster appeals.
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5. Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada supports a national network of food banks and community agencies. Donations help move food to places where it’s needed most and fund programs that reduce hunger. You can give money, organize a food drive or volunteer. Many local food banks also accept fresh produce and household basics.
6. SickKids Foundation
SickKids Foundation raises funds for The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, one of the world’s leading pediatric hospitals. Gifts fuel research, new treatments, family support and equipment that helps children recover faster. You can donate in honour of someone, give securities or join monthly giving to power ongoing care.
7. Indspire
Indspire invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students across Canada. Donations go toward scholarships, mentorship and classroom resources that help learners succeed. You can set up a named bursary, support teacher resources or give monthly to grow long-term impact in Indigenous communities.
8. Doctors Without Borders Canada
Doctors Without Borders, or Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Canada, provides independent medical aid in emergencies like outbreaks, conflicts and natural disasters. Your donation funds clinics, surgeries, vaccinations and mental-health care. You can support the general fund, so MSF can act where the need is greatest, or respond to specific crises.
9. Canadian Mental Health Association
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offers mental-health education, peer support and community programs across the country. Donations help expand crisis lines, counselling access and youth programs. You can give to your local CMHA branch to keep services close to home or donate nationally to support broad initiatives.
10. Shelter Movers
Shelter Movers is a Canadian nonprofit that provides free moving and storage for people leaving violence. Trained volunteers help clients relocate quickly and safely, often in partnership with shelters and law enforcement. Donations fund trucks, storage, security and the logistics that make a safe move possible.
Ways to Donate
There are many ways you can donate to your favourite charity beyond giving cash. Here are some common examples of alternative methods of donation.
- Food for food banks. Non-perishable items like canned protein, rice, pasta, baby formula and toiletries.
- Clothing and household items. Clean, gently used coats, boots, bedding, small appliances and school supplies.
- Volunteering. Help with packing hampers, event support, mentoring, driving or administrative tasks.
- Gift cards. Grocery or pharmacy cards give families choice and dignity.
- In-kind professional services. Accounting, legal, design, marketing or IT support can stretch a charity’s budget.
- Legacy giving. Include a charity in your will, donate securities or make a gift of life insurance.
How to Choose Where to Give
With so many great causes to support, it can be hard to pick which charity to donate to. Here are some tips that can help you decide where to give.
- Match your values. Pick causes that matter to you—children, health, hunger or local services.
- Check registration and impact. Look for Canadian registered charities and review impact reports.
- Consider monthly giving. Smaller monthly gifts can add up and help charities plan ahead.
- Think national and local. National groups scale impact, while local groups know community needs best.
Giving is powerful at any size. Whether you donate $10 a month, drop off a bag of groceries or volunteer a few hours, you’re helping someone eat, learn, heal or feel safe. Your support today can change someone’s tomorrow.