Some charities are out in full force during the Christmas season, looking for donations to help the poor. Some of these organizations are house-hold names, like the Salvation Army and the Christmas Cheer Board while others, like local churches, are not well as known. Some poor people benefit by having a nicer dinner than usual. Some kids who would otherwise go without presents, receive gifts.

How important is it to you to volunteer or make donations during the Christmas season?

Siloam Mission
City of Winnipeg Fire and Paramedics Annual Toy Drive and Operation Christmas Child.

As someone who works within a charity that works with children and youth, we rely heavily on the generosity of the public. Those gifts not only help though the Christmas season, but also throughout the year. In our case, approximately 60% of our charitable gifts are received during the months of November and December.

Being a registered charity, allows receipts to be issued which provide the donor with a non-refundable tax credit. One of the criteria that Canada Revenue Agency uses is that the donor must be "impoverished" by making the gift, hence the tax benefit.

There are some 85,000+ registered charities in Canada, who really provide the foundation of our healthcare and social programs. Canadians as a whole are massively generous.

Please support the cause of your choice. Your gift goes a long way.

How can a donor be "impoverished"?
Richardsons, Aspers, and 100's more of the wealthy make sizeable donations all year round. Cathy Richardson is a big contributor and I don't think she would become impoverished. Perhaps the Aspers would? lol

I believe in giving, and giving generously, but only when compelled to do so of my own volition. I give throughout the year, but step up a bit at Christmas because it is made easier to do so at that time. I do not give to everyone who asks/knocks/sends home a form with my kids. I give to charities that I feel make an immediate impact, and that my gift makes a significant difference i.e)not tied up in administration and advertising costs.

This year, we will have given significant quantities of non-perishable food to food bank via the elementary and preschool, coats/hats/mittens via Girl Guides, pet food/grooming/bedding supplies to the Winnipeg Humane society, some change to Salvation Army Kettles, and a decent at-the-till donation to Siloam Mission at Sobeys.

I was in the Super Store last Saturday, and going in I was asked to donate to the Kettle of the Salvation Army, and at the till for another donation.
I think that was an imposition, because I shop at the Salvation Army, but really it is a great idea because every one can say no, as I did, or every one can donate what they want.
I thought that the grocery stores may be meeting whatever is donated, as their own donation, but that is probably not true.