Over the last few months, our TrueExperiences section has covered everything from shopping and christmas-tree-picking to haunted houses and centennial celebrations; but as far as experiences go, nothing compares to the heartwarming sensation of helping someone in need. Here’s a shortlist to get you in the charitable spirit…
Once upon a time, it was 1981 – and amid the tumult of an unforgiving economy, a coalition of Surrey churches started addressing the problem of poverty. Two short years later, the Surrey Food Bank Society was born. Albeit, this was a temporary solution but it gained traction and in no time, the operation had expanded to a 7,000 square foot warehouse, a fleet of vehicles and over 100 active volunteers. Today, the Surrey Food Bank Society distributes 2,000-plus food hampers per week and has expanded to support other internal programs such as Harvest Box and the Food Action Coalition. The Surrey Food Bank always accepts donations, online and in person if you happen to be near any of Surrey’s Fire Halls, North Delta’s Fire Halls, Safeway stores, Price Smart stores, Save-on-Foods stores, Real Canadian Superstores, IGA Marketplace stores, Costco, Extra Foods or Buy Rite stores. They also have a program called Tiny Bundles, which provides low-income expectant mothers with the essentials to bring a baby into the world. In short, they couldn’t make generosity easier.
A non-profit, charitable organization, the Surrey Christmas Bureau provides Surrey’s low-income families with toys, holiday gifts, stocking stuffers and grocery certificates over the Christmas season. Volunteer-based, they work closely with a variety of community groups, churches, schools and businesses. The SCB also has an adopt a family program, where sponsor families provide a family in need with Christmas breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as gifts and stocking stuffers. If this doesn’t fit your holiday schedule, they alsoaccept donations of unwrapped toys (which can be dropped off at any Surrey Fire Hall or Toy Depot).
Surrey Fire Fighter’s Association
Since 1957, the Surrey Fire Fighters Association has had a proud tradition of serving the municipality. With the help of the City of Surrey and the Surrey Fire Service, they administer the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society, helping folks and families who’ve fallen on hard times. ALL donations go directly to Surrey’s neediest citizens.
This year, as you’re basking in the joys of the holidays, stop and think about those who aren’t… and do something about it. Because it’s good to give – and every little bit helps.
Photo Courtesy of Mashable