“DARE2GIVE” HOLIDAY GIVING: PAY IT FORWARD THIS SEASON BY DOING SOMETHING CHARITABLE

This season, it’s time for giving and sharing. From food banks to volunteer work to helping support your local charity, there are many ways you can make a difference to help make Canada a better place. Check out what we’ll be doing this season and who we are “daring” to pay it forward.

There’s no doubt that the holiday season brings good cheer. It’s a time for giving and sharing, which is why it’s the best time to step back, appreciate the little luxuries we have and give to those who are less fortunate or are in need of support.

So with that, we dare you!

With the Dare2Give campaign we’ve been inspired to donate to a special charity, dare and nominate other individuals to do the same. Research shows that one of the main reasons people give is because someone merely asked them to and an effective way to ask them to do something is to DARE them. That’s the simple idea behind Dare2Give, the latest in the “My Giving Moment Campaign,” inspired by the Governor General of Canada. By asking Canadian givers to dare others to donate or volunteer with you, Canada can become a more caring nation and you can double your giving impact! Imagine if every Canadian challenged another person to give with them?

Are you up for the challenge? Dare others in your network of family, friends or co-workers, to take that extra step this season and give to the charity of your choice, or whatever good deed you have to make someone’s life or community better.

This season, we’re donating to a great charity called The Shoebox Project. Last year, The Shoebox Project donated thousands of gifts to women’s shelters in over 25 cities across the country. The Lifestyle Report is in turn nominating five strong women, Robin Stevenson, Bonnie Laufer, Chantel Guertin, Lauren Baswick and Marissa Stapley to do the same, and to lead by example and dare others they know to reciprocate these acts of kindness.

How to make a shoebox

You may already have a lot of the items in your home already. Save the swag you collect at events or parties, like make-ups and creams. Or, ask your local drug store if they have any items they did not stock on the shelves that you could have. The box should not be valued at more than $50.

1. Use an old shoebox and wrap it decorative holiday paper, ensuring that the top can still be opened.
2. Fill the box with great items such as:

Something warm: mitts, scarf, hat, socks, specialty teas
Something sweet: nut-free chocolate and candy
(not alcohol filled)
Body or hand lotion, soaps, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Brush, comb, shampoo, conditioner
Nail polish, mascara, eye shadow, lipstick
Purse sized Kleenex, small cosmetic bag
Gift cards (Tim Horton’s, Shoppers, etc.)
Subway tokens and bus tickets
Supportive message

(Don’ts: Used goods, clothing that is “sized” (i.e. S, M, L, XL), mouthwash or candies containing alcohol, candles, foundation, concealers, hand-sanitizers, razor, jumbo sized containers, books other than self-help or inspirational, anything open or used or unpackaged.)

It’s a simple task that will brighten and lift the spirit of someone in need. You can drop off your box at a city location found here. 

WIN FOR YOUR CHARITY CONTEST!

Visit the Dare2Give website to enter how many dares you’ve made for a chance to win for your favourite charity or cause. By daring others, those leading “givers” will have a chance to win for their favourite charity, and be eligible for the grand prize of appearing in a television commercial. (Contest ends December 14, 2021)

—Toni-Marie Ippolito

Although this post has been generously sponsored by Rideau Hall Foundation, the opinions and language are my own, and in no way do they reflect Rideau Hall Foundation.