The holiday season is a time of generosity, reflection and community. Unfortunately, Christmas and the holiday season can also mark a time of heightened need. Rising living costs, housing insecurity and food inflation have placed added strain on households, making charitable support more important than ever.
Whether you’re looking to give locally, nationally or internationally, these five Canadian charities offer meaningful ways to make a difference this Christmas. Each operates across multiple provinces and beyond Canada’s borders to ensuring your support reaches people who need it most.
The Salvation Army
Few organizations are as closely associated with Christmas giving in Canada as the Salvation Army. Its iconic Christmas Kettle Campaign appears in hundreds of communities nationwide each holiday season, raising funds to support families facing food insecurity, financial hardship and housing instability.
Donations help provide Christmas hampers, toys for children, warm meals and emergency assistance. They also support year-round programs such as shelters, addiction recovery services and community outreach.
Why it matters: Funds raised locally are often reinvested in the same communities, making it a powerful option for donors who want both national reach and local impact.
The Shoebox Project for Shelters
The Shoebox Project for Shelters brings a deeply personal touch to holiday giving. Canadians are invited to fill decorated shoeboxes with essential and comfort items. This includes toiletries, warm accessories and notes of encouragement for women experiencing homelessness.
With chapters across Canada, shoebox drives often peak during the Christmas season, offering recipients a moment of dignity, care and connection during a difficult time.
Why it matters: This charity highlights that meaningful support doesn’t always come in large grand gestures. Small acts of kindness can also have a profound emotional impact.
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child allows Canadians to pack shoeboxes filled with gifts for children in need around the world. Each box typically includes toys, school supplies and personal items, bringing joy to children who may never have received a Christmas present before.
Canadians can pack physical shoeboxes through local drop-off centres or participate through online donations that help cover shipping and distribution costs.
Why it matters: It offers a tangible, family-friendly way to participate in global giving, especially for those looking to teach children about generosity and empathy.
Toys for Tots Canada
Toys for Tots Canada is operated by veterans and volunteers of the Canadian Armed Forces. Their goal is to ensure that children don’t go without gifts on Christmas morning. The organization collects new toys and distributes them to families in need across multiple provinces.
Toy drives often partner with community organizations, schools and service groups, making this a collaborative effort rooted in Canadian communities.
Why it matters: Christmas can be especially difficult for parents facing financial strain. This program helps preserve the magic of the season for children.
UNICEF Canada
While not exclusively a Christmas charity, UNICEF Canada is a popular choice for holiday giving due to its global focus on children’s health, education, nutrition and safety.
Donations support life-saving programs, including vaccinations, clean water initiatives, and emergency relief in crisis zones.
Why it matters: For those looking to extend their generosity beyond Canada, UNICEF provides a trusted, impactful way to support vulnerable children worldwide.
Donate or explore gift options.
Giving beyond the holidays
Supporting a charity at Christmas is a powerful way to reflect the spirit of the season — the impact often extends far beyond December. Whether you choose to donate funds, volunteer time or participate in a seasonal drive, every contribution helps strengthen communities and create lasting change.
As Canadians navigate another challenging year, these organizations remind us that compassion, generosity and collective action matter more than ever.
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