NEWS: Charitable Donations for 2021

1) The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) - Yemen refugees

According to the UN, Yemen remains the worst humanitarian crisis in the world with over 24 MILLION people in need.

And the crisis is putting children particularily at risk. The war has meant that people are not farming/growing crops and the situation is so dire that an entire generation may not reach adulthood as a result of disease and starvation.

Lise Grande, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, has said the UN had been warning since July that Yemen was on the brink of a catastrophic food security crisis. In a statement she said:

If the war doesn't end now, we are nearing an irreversible situation and risk losing an entire generation of Yemen’s young children.

• Read about the Yemen Crisis here >>
• Learn more about the UNHCR here >>

2) Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

I'm sure you see it too. Mental health is declining in industrialised countries, and there is still stigma associated with mental illness. Although one of the small upsides to the COVID crisis has been that mental health is beginning to get the recognition it deserves.

One of the largest and oldest voluntary health organizations operating in Canada the CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) helps over 1.3 million Canadians annually provide hope and help to people affected by mental illness. With 10,000 volunteers and 5,000 staff they actively promote mental health, advocate in the media, research and feed into public policy (especially for the homeless and at risk, children and youth).

Finally, check out the excellent quarterly magazine - called Visions (subscribe free to Visions e-magazine here >> ).

3) RAVEN Trust

Mission: RAVEN (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs) raises legal defence funds to assist Indigenous Peoples who enforce their rights and title to protect their traditional territories.

RAVEN'S vision is a country that honours the ancestral laws, rights and stewardship values of Indigenous Peoples and their equitable access to the justice system within a thriving natural environment.

Like their namesake, the mythical northwest coast trickster bird Raven, RAVEN takes on challenges that very few are willing to tackle. By doing so, they are reshaping the landscape and transforming the future.

4) Covenant House (Vancouver, BC, Canada)

Vancouver is consistently voted one of the best cities to live in the world, yet there's a huge homelessness and mental health crisis, especially in the 'Downtown Eastside'.

Covenant House is North and Central America's largest privately funded child and youth care agency, and thankfully they have a branch in Vancouver. In a myriad of ways they help youth avoid and transition away from life on the streets.

Some of the services offered include the Crisis Program, Community Support Services, Integrated Case Management, Housing Support Workers, Pastoral Counsellors and Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol Supports. We are proud to support Covenant House and help keep young people off the streets so they don't join the growing homeless community in Vancouver.

5) Black Youth Helpline

This inspiring organisation evolved from a school project created for youth by youth! After recognizing a need for support, the initial school project grew into a network of volunteers working together to focus on education, health and community development - so far in Winnipeg and Ontario in Canada.

BYH (Black Youth Helpline) is a black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools. They ensure access to needed relevant professional assessment, intervention, services and supports for youth and families, with a focus on understanding and addressing the root cause of problems.

BYH focuses on three (3) key strategic pillars:

1. Education: Help youth stay in school and get an education. With an education all goals are attainable.
2. Health: Our greatest wealth! Nurturing a healthy mind, body and spirit is a core foundation for success.
3. Community: Sharing and caring about others impacts lives and is the greatest gift to humanity and society.

6) Copper Kettle Community Partnership (Salt Spring Island)

Copper Kettle is a fabulous example of a grass-roots community partnership. And it's extremely local to The Coaching Tools Company.

Copper Kettle is supported solely by Salt Spring Islanders and offers emergency supplies to people without homes or shelter (eg. tents, sleeping  bags, winter clothing and food). They also have a food program to help low and fixed income seniors and families, ensuring they have food and stay healthy.

Other projects include developing a "Community Garden" for fruit and veggies, maintaining a "Community Woodpile" and offering "Gift Certificates" to people in need for clothing at a local Thrift Store and food at a local supermarket.

This is grass roots activism at its best, helping those in need at source, and we are proud to support the Copper Kettle.

7) Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Canada

Big Brothers Big Sisters has proudly been providing young Canadians mentors and support for over 100 years.

With the guidance and support of a mentor, many at risk and vulnerable children and youth are given more confidence to achieve their full potential and gain a better understanding of how they influence the lives of others.

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children and youth have the inspiration, experiences and guidance they need to achieve more, and give them self-confidence, a sense of belonging, positive health and well-being.