Today, on Giving Tuesday, the City of Toronto extends its sincere thanks to all the generous residents and businesses who have donated funds, goods and services to help support Toronto’s most vulnerable. Today also marks the first day of the City’s “12 Days of Giving” campaign.
As part of the campaign, the City will use its @CityofToronto Twitter account to highlight a different way to give on each of the next 12 days.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the City’s DonateTO program has managed more than $30 million in donations of food, goods, services and funds, connecting donors to the programs where their gifts make a real difference. Recent donations to COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts have included personal protective equipment, supplies to help furnish affordable housing units, warehouse space, volunteers and supplies needed to package tens of thousands of hygiene kits and food hampers for vulnerable residents. Read the latest DonateTO Donor Report for more information on how donors make a difference.
For Toronto residents looking to give back this holiday season, there are a number of community programs that need support listed on the DonateTO webpage:
The Holiday Wish List features 26 City-funded community agencies that support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Each agency has provided a wish list that includes warm clothes, personal hygiene products and gift cards. Participating agencies in Toronto neighbourhoods and items of greatest need are listed on the Holiday Wish List webpage.
The City has partnered with the United Way Greater Toronto and Lifeline Afghanistan to fundraise to help Afghan newcomers. These newcomers to Canada have left nearly everything behind, and greatly benefit from donations of funds, services and unused goods.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people in Toronto are relying on emergency food programs. The City is supporting emergency community food programs across Toronto. Donations will be directed to organizations that provide prepared meals, food delivery and gift cards to food banks and vulnerable residents.
The Vaccine Equity Transportation Program helps vulnerable residents including seniors to access COVID-19 vaccinations by removing barriers to transportation and travel to clinic sites. Donations to this program will be directed to City partner organizations and agencies, with the goal of offering barrier-free transportation to vaccination clinics for every person in need. Read about the launch of the Vaccine Equity Transportation Plan.
Once again this year, Toronto Fire Services is holding their annual toy drive. New, unwrapped toys and gift cards can be dropped off at any Toronto Fire Station. Toronto’s 85 fire stations also accept non-perishable food donations for the Daily Bread Food Bank year-round. A map of Fire Station locations is on the City’s website.
This holiday season, Toronto Animal Services is asking Torontonians to “Spay it Forward” and help those who need barrier-free access to spay/neuter and wellness care for pets. Donations in support of spay and neuter programs can be made online or by phone at 416-338-7387 (PETS).
The campaigns listed above are just some of the worthwhile initiatives that will be highlighted during “12 Days of Giving.” Donations of funds, goods and services to City and community partner programs can be made through the DonateTO portal on the City’s official giving webpage.
Follow the City’s “12 Days of Giving” campaign on the @CityofToronto Twitter account.
Quote:
“I want to take the opportunity today, on Giving Tuesday, to acknowledge the generosity of Toronto residents who demonstrate their care and compassion for their community by giving generously to local organizations. That support was further showcased during the pandemic, when Torontonians came together to help one another during these challenging months. The work that these organizations continue to do is vital in helping some of our most vulnerable residents and by supporting them we are ensuring that our fellow neighbours are able to get through these difficult times.”
– Mayor John Tory
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.