GIVING LOCALLY GREAT WAY FOR DONORS & SHOPPERS TO PAY IT FORWARD WITHOUT ADDING TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — A joy of giving is seeing the results of receiving.

That’s why “giving locally” is a great idea for last-minute shoppers looking to gift someone who has everything.

A bonus for recipients who are no longer hoarders or re-gifters.

Or a great present for those who would appreciate a donation to whatever they believe in and would truly appreciate what you give others through them.

Also making your donation before the end of the year with charitable status organizations offer tax receipts for March tax filing.

There are many local options — in addition to retail sales in your community that help keep businesses and jobs in town.

Here are a few; you can think of many others in Muskoka.

Whether it’s eco or animal related, kids will love you for getting on board after — of course they’ve Hoovered under the tree.

Hospitals are always a favourite for giving — and with plans for new facilities in north and south Muskoka, both Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare sites in Bracebridge and Gravenhurst have foundations that would be welcome additions to their fundraising efforts.

Adam Sontag wants to sell more of his bird feeders to help with his hospital donation pledge.

Hospice Muskoka (Andy’s Place) in Port Carling could really use your help.

“Make a meaningful difference in two lives this year,” they’re always saying.

Hospice Muskoka provides essential palliative and end-of-life care to the Muskoka community, including their families and seasonal residents.

Hospice Muskoka want to give the gift of end of life care this Christmas at Andy’s House. It is just one of many opportunities to donate locally to causes that let you see the results of your giving in Muskoka.

In Gravenhurst Against Poverty (GAP) is another popular charity of choice. Their Coldest Night of the Year in February is their largest fundraiser.

The Sally Ann is wrapping up its Kettles and Red Shield Appeal. Their food banks and others in Muskoka are also choice Christmas choices.

Also in Gravenhurst the Rotary Wheels for Learning offers $50 bike options to help kids in Cambodia get to school or even attend a re-built schoolhouse and latrines — along with foodstuffs.

The local service club, too, offers a high school bursary program you can donate to as well as its youth mental health program fund.

Their recent internet auction shows gift certificates for services were very poplar compared to “things.”

Go to the Gravenhurst Rotary Club website for more information.

Churches are another charity of choice. They all have community support programs for beyond their congregations.

Muskoka has a wide variety of causes that will help you funnel less paper into the blue box and recycling bin.

Do your own due diligence for the people you love and care for or want to just thank for 2023 and more.

You’ll understand the “giving is better than receiving” sentiment.

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