Today, in recognition of GivingTuesday, the City of Toronto is launching its annual “12 Days of Giving” social media campaign. Over the next 12 days, City social media accounts will connect Toronto residents with opportunities to give locally and highlight the different ways people can give. The City thanks all generous Toronto residents and businesses who donate gifts, goods and services and make a difference in its communities.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the City’s DonateTO program has managed more than $35 million in donations of food, goods, services and funds, connecting donors to programs where their gifts make a real difference. Donated funds have supported City priorities ranging from COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts, personal protective equipment and supplies to furnishing affordable housing units, to the warehouse space, volunteers and supplies needed to package tens of thousands of hygiene kits and food hampers for vulnerable residents.
Donations of funds, goods and services to City and community partner programs can be made through the City’s official giving portal, DonateTO webpage.
Some examples of ways Toronto residents can give back this year include:
The City’s annual “Holiday Wish List” features City-funded community agencies that support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Each agency has provided a list of needed items, including donations of warm clothes, personal hygiene products and gift cards. This year’s list features a map to help Toronto residents connect with agencies in their neighbourhoods with the Holiday Wish List.
Donations can also help support the care of animals in Toronto. Donations help provide urgent medical care, support for individuals needing assistance with spay/neuter services or wellness care for their pets and specialized behavioural training for shelter dogs looking for their second chance. Toronto Animal Services also has a wish list of items that can be dropped off at any of its three animal shelters by visiting the Donate to Animal Services webpage.
New, unwrapped toys and gift cards can be dropped off at any Toronto Fire Station for the annual toy drive. 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.
The City’s Long-Term Care homes welcome donations to purchase tablets for residents. Many residents enjoy connecting with loved ones, using interactive apps and games, watching videos and listening to music, and they need more devices to support the demand. Help make their holidays brighter; more information can be found on the DonateTO webpage.
Donations to City park care help protect and develop the City’s Sakura cherry tree groves, which are enjoyed every spring by residents and visitors to Toronto alike. There are also opportunities to give to the High Park Animal Display, home to beloved llamas, reindeer, emus and more; information can be found on the DonateTO webpage.
These giving opportunities and more will be highlighted during the City’s “12 Days of Giving” campaign and on the City’s website: Toronto.ca/Donate. Follow the campaign at @CityofToronto on Twitter and @CityofTO on Facebook and Instagram.
Quote:
“The holiday season is a time for generosity and caring for those who need our help. This GivingTuesday, I would like to thank all of the Torontonians who’ve given generously to local organizations. Their support is so valuable – especially this year, as so many continue to recover from the devastating financial impacts of the pandemic. Each of us have a role to play in our city’s economic recovery. Toronto’s “12 Days of Giving” campaign highlights the different ways people can give back. So if you haven’t yet donated, I encourage you to do so if you’re able.”
– 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.