HOLIDAY
VOLUNTEERING
AND GIVING GUIDE
OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE
Salvation Army




Financial donations will be accepted at kettles located in Guelph from between
Nov. 15 and Dec.24, or can be mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1146,
Guelph ON, N1H 6N3.
Donations of new toys or gift certificates will be accepted by kettles located at
Stone Road Mall (in the atrium), The Salvation Army Citadel, Walmart, West End
Community Centre and Guelph Toyota.
Winter coats are needed throughout the season as well.
For more information call 519-836-9360
The Children’s Foundation of Guelph Wellington
Adopt-a-Family Holiday Donation Program







This program matches families in need with community donors [individuals,
families & businesses) at this holiday time.
Those wanting to sponsor a family would receive a family size they request with a
food list (for Christmas day breakfast, lunch and supper) as well as a gift wish list
for each member in the family.
Donors receive a tax receipt for their donation of gifts, providing they submit
receipts for their purchases.
You can also help by donating gift cards or by making a cash donation.
Referrals are made through social service agencies in Guelph and Wellington
County for single moms/dads, independent teens, two parent families and
children being raised by grandparents.
Complete the application to become a donor at: www.childrensfoundation.org
Call 519-829-0855 or email [email protected]
Wyndham House


Unwrapped gifts, hygiene products (conditioner, hair elastics, bobby pins), socks,
bras & underwear, hats & mitts, DVDs, art supplies, journals, pens, treats, bus
tickets and gift cards are needed for homeless youth ages 16-21. Gently used
clothing is also accepted.
Contact 519-822-2768 or visit the website at: www.wyndhamhouse.org
Welcome In Drop-In Centre




Personal hygiene products are needed to support the work of the Drop-In Centre.
Suggestions include shampoo, soap, razors and shaving cream, baby diapers,
feminine hygiene products, and Depends.
The Centre also accepts donations of shoes and winter jackets.
Donations can be dropped off at 23 Gordon Street.
Contact Melissa at 519-837-0080. Visit the website at:
http://www.ibvm.ca/works/justice/welcome-drop-in
Hospice Wellington – Tree of Remembrance




Hospice offers a variety of handmade Christmas ornaments for sale.
All proceeds from this fundraiser go to support the many programs and services
at Hospice Wellington, both in the residence and in the community.
Dates and Locations: Stone Road Mall (Dec 1st-22nd); Duff’s Church in Morriston
(Dec 6, 13, 20, 24); Dixon Home Hardware in Fergus (Dec 5 & 6); Chartwell
Wellington Park Retirement Residence (Dec 7th-11th).
Contact Lisa at 519-836-3921 x227 for up to date information
Emma’s Annual Toy Drive






Works with businesses, organizations and individuals in the community to collect
toys for children living at Guelph/Wellington Women in Crisis shelters.
Accepting new, unwrapped toy donations and gift cards until December 20th with
a focus on teenage gifts this year.
Drop off locations are: East side Mario's; Guelph Volkswagen; JL’s Home
Hardware (259 Grange Road, 389 Speedvale Avenue West); Township of
Guelph/Eramosa (8348 Wellington Road 124); Arpies Hair and Beauty Salon (17
Goodwin Drive); Canadian Tire (127 Stone Road); Shoppers Drug Mart (7 Clair
Road West).
Teddy Bear Toss and Auction held on December 4 with all proceeds going to the
toy drive
On December 11th accepting donations at the Guelph Storm game (Gate 6)
For further information call Emma or Wendy at 519-824-9451 or email
[email protected] or check out the website at
www.emmastoydrive.com
Bracelet of Hope


Buy unique gifts for your loved ones while supporting this charitable organization
to fight AIDS in Africa.
Holiday Greeting Cards and the Gifts of Hope Catalogue are available at
www.braceletofhope.ca.
Trees for Tots
 Beginning December 1st you can register to have your Christmas Tree picked up
by volunteers.
 Trees will be removed for a minimum donation of $10, and tax receipts will be
given for donations over $25. Donations will benefit the Children’s Foundation of
Guelph and Wellington
Guelph/Wellington Women in Crisis



Donations of cash, diapers and baby wipes, personal hygiene products, phone
cards, grocery cards, bus tickets, gas cards and department store gift cards are
needed.
Donations can be accepted at the Administration Office at 38 Elizabeth Street in
Guelph during business hours 9 to 5 or at our other locations in Fergus, Erin, Mt
Forest and Palmerston.
For more information, visit the website at:
http://www.gwwomenincrisis.org/give-help/make-a-donation/ or contact Lillian
519- 836-1110.
Chalmers Community Service Centre





Chalmers accepts donated Christmas Gifts Bags and provide these to the adult
guests on the last pantry days before Dec 25. For many of the guests, this is the
only gift they will receive.
Suggested items to include in a gift bag: One pair of gloves; One pair of socks;
Regular size shampoo; Toothbrush; Toothpaste and/or dental floss; Shaving
cream for men/box of tampons, pads or panty liners for women; Shower gel, body
wash, or soap; Antiperspirant/deodorant; Package of 5-10 Disposable Razors;
Christmas Candy treat or Chocolate; Small jar of instant coffee, box of tea bags, or
tin/box of hot chocolate
Please use a new recyclable bag as the gift bag.
Gift bags are due Dec 12th and are distributed beginning Dec 17th.
Contact Diana Sterenberg at [email protected] or 519-822-8778.
YMCA-YWCA Teenage Parents Program (TAPPs) Angel Tree 2015







Provides TAPPs families with toys and clothing for children that may otherwise,
not receive anything. These donations will also supply young mothers and fathers
with household supplies, such as cleaning products and toiletries.
Option to select one or more of the following gifts:
$15- Stocking: Support the purchase of a stocking for a TAPPs child
$30- Gift: Support the purchase of a gift for a TAPPs child
$50- Family: Support a TAPPs family
Personal donations or donations on behalf of an organization- tax receipts
provided.
Click here to make a donation.
HOPE House


This year HOPE House is giving out over 400 hampers. In every hamper, there is a
traditional meal, presents for children, care packages for adults and extra grocery
items needed over the holiday.
You could give a gift of $100, $75, $50 or $25. Visit HOPE House online for
more information.
Local churches, neighbourhood groups and community organizations often have
donation programs or collect goods. Consider donating to causes they support.
OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER
Salvation Army
Various opportunities to volunteer including:
 Toss a Toonie Christmas Kettle Campaign (Nov. 20- Dec. 24)
 Christmas food hamper packing (Dec. 22). Shift from 6-8pm or 8-10pm. Register
at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080f48a4ae2fa31-hamper
 Call 519-836-9360 for more information
Volunteering with the Guelph Food Bank



Volunteers needed for gift-wrapping at Stone Road Mall between December 4th –
24th. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.
Volunteer opportunities are also available over the Christmas season in the
warehouse. Shifts are between 8:30am-5:00pm.
Contact Tracy at 519-767-1380 or email [email protected]. Note- application
forms must be completed and handed in to the GFB prior to any shift. Forms can
be picked up and submitted to Tracy at the Guelph Food Bank (100 Crimea
Street) between 1pm-5pm.
Festival of Trees Volunteer at the River Run Centre





Supports the St. Josephs Health Centre Foundation, Guelph
All opportunities at River Run Centre, Guelph
Volunteers needed for:
Decorating/Set Up Day
*November 21st-24th (various times)
Dismantle/Take Down Day
*Tuesday Dec, 29th 9:00am -12:00 pm; 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Opportunity is ideal for groups and families.
Contact: Carol at St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation
Phone: 519-767-3424
Trees for Tots



This is a Christmas Tree pickup service by donation in support of the Children’s
Foundation of Guelph & Wellington.
Volunteers are needed to help with picking up Christmas trees and admin duties
on January 9th.
Register to volunteer online, or call 519-826-9551 for more information.
HOPE House



This year HOPE House is giving out over 400 hampers. In every hamper, there is a
traditional meal, presents for children, care packages for adults and extra grocery
items needed over the holiday.
Volunteers are needed on December 18th to pack hampers.
Contact Lindsay Baxter at [email protected].
Retirement and Long-Term Care
Make a senior’s day! Year round and holiday volunteer opportunities are available at
retirement and long-term care residences including

St. Joseph’s Health Centre Click here to view opportunities!

The Elliott Community Click here to view opportunities!

Wellington Terrace Click here to view opportunities!

Village of Riverside Glen Click here to view opportunities!

Village of Arbour Trails Click here to view opportunities!
Tips for Volunteering



You can also volunteer your time at local churches, neighbourhood groups and
community organizations.
Donate blood and give the gift of life.
Consider volunteering as a group with family, friends or co-workers
Volunteering is a rewarding experience all year round. For a complete listing of short
and long term volunteer opportunities…
1. Visit our homepage at www.volunteergw.ca
2. Click Volunteer Opportunities
3. You can search by areas of interest, by Organization, What’s New and Interests
4. Click “Yes, I’d like to Volunteer!” to get in touch with the coordinator of the
program.
5. Get in contact with us for more information or assistance. 519 822-0912 or email
[email protected]
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
“THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS A PERFECT TIME TO REFLECT ON OUR
BLESSINGS AND SEEK OUT WAYS TO MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR
THOSE AROUND US.”
– TERRI MARSHALL