Progressive Detective
Q: I’m tired of giving and receiving gifts no one needs for Christmas— what are good, charitable alternatives, and how can you tell what’s legitimate?
Illustration by Swizzle: Rob Elliot
A: There are indeed some great organizations out there that will use your money to purchase items far more necessary and meaningful than that sweater set or martini shaker, in your loved one’s name. The best-known example is Heifer.org, made golden by Oprah’s touch. Heifer works to end poverty, and will purchase livestock for struggling families to help them earn a living. A swarm of bees will cost $30 US—and who wouldn’t be happy if a friend donated a water buffalo ($250 US) in their name?
Closer to home, $30 to Operation Eyesight (www.operationeyesight.ca) will pay for one cataract surgery with an intraocular lens in a developing country, and Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (www.cpar.ca) will plant a tree in Africa in someone’s name. (If you’re still hung up on giving a tangible gift, buy dad a Plant a Tree in Africa toque and proceeds go to the cause.) Or, through CanadaHelps.org, you can donate to one of numerous charities the recipient gets to select.
If you are concerned about a charity’s legitimacy, the Canada Revenue Agency maintains a website with a searchable list of all charities in Canada, which have to make their financial statements public. To make sure your money isn’t just going to overhead costs, you can contact the charity directly and ask to see a copy of its most recent annual report.
