While giving back to the community is an action that speaks to the character of many Canadians, monetary donations are just one way to give.
If you're looking for resourceful charitable opportunities that won't break the bank, here are some ways you can give back to the community for free:
1. Donate Airline Points: Trips can be expensive and for some, they're a distant dream. If you have airline points that are close to expiration, instead of rushing to use them - or worse, losing the benefits - think about transferring them to those less fortunate.
2. Donate Time: Volunteering your time and expertise is an excellent way to give back to the community. Whether at a local animal shelter, soup kitchen, or building docks at summer camps, contributing your time and energy means a lot to your community. Even a few hours a week can make a huge impact.
3. Donate Clothing: Donating gently used clothing is a cost-effective way to give. When taking the time to de-clutter or clean out your closet, think about placing your gently used clothing aside to donate towards a good cause. The Canadian Diabetes Association, for example, has over 3,000 bright red drop boxes across the country, where you can easily donate pre-loved clothing to support research, programs and camps.
With a little creativity there are many cost-effective and inventive means of charitable giving.