Card for Change

Just as the year before we continue to raise money in order to purchase gift cards. This was our biggest year yet and because of all the support from our donors we were able to provide cards to approximately 40 qualified donees across Canada. The gift cards although seemingly simple are an extremely valued gift for all of our qualified partners. For example 1) We provide Tim Hortons and Dollarama cards to our shelter and outreach partners in cities like Toronto Calgary Vancouver Montreal Ottawa and many other smaller urban centres. These cards give the receiver the ability to go an purchase the things they need and they also return dignity back to them by allowing them to go shopping just like everyone else. In addition to this many of the outreach groups have told us that the cards are a way for them to instantly develop a rapport and some trust with the people they are helping. Just a $10 Tim Hortons card can make a huge difference in these people's lives. 2) We provide grocery cards to groups like Homes First in Toronto and many others who get people into more stable housing. These grocery cards are then given to them ideally on a monthly basis to augment the extremely high cost of groceries. 3) We work with programs like Sick Kids Lotus Health Clinic St. Michael's Hospital and Toronto Health so get cards into not only people suffering from poverty but also suffering from serious health issues and vulnerabilities. Since we know that poverty and quality of life/health are inexorably linked. 4) We provide cards to battered women's shelters and single mothers. These cards can be a variety like the ones mentioned over even Cineplex cards Best Buy Walmart and Amazon so that these moms can provide for their children not just basic necessities but also a little bit of the joys life should offer like a movie night (which is way beyond their means these days) or some new tech that would mean the world to their kids. 5) We also conduct our own charitable activities in a very small way but we still like to go out into the streets and hand out cards to the pan-handling segment of the homeless population. This is how we started before we were given the status and to us it is an important thing to continue doing because it makes sure we stay connected to the people.