Give a Different Kind of Gift This Christmas

The holiday season often brings a mix of joy, connection, and, let’s be honest, a bit of financial stress. While you’re likely looking for ways to spend less at Christmas, it’s tough. The push to shop, spend, and stick to a holiday budget can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re also focused on paying down debt.

But what if this year looked a little different? Instead of stressing over gifts, what if the real gift was about impact? Imagine embracing the holiday spirit by giving back to those in need, rather than exchanging gifts with those who already have enough. Donating your time or resources can spark meaningful connections and spread joy in ways that truly matter.

If you’re inspired to make a difference, here are 10 incredible charities in Calgary and Edmonton where you can give back and brighten someone’s Christmas:

Calgary Charities

Calgary Food Bank
The Calgary Food Bank provides emergency food hampers to individuals and families facing hunger. During the holidays, the demand for assistance rises sharply, and they need volunteers to sort donations, pack hampers, and help with distribution. Monetary and non-perishable food donations are always welcomed. Every contribution brings hope to those struggling to make ends meet.

The Magic of Christmas
This volunteer-driven initiative transforms Calgary Transit buses into “reindeer buses” to deliver gifts and cheer to families and individuals on Christmas Eve. Volunteers dress as Santa and elves, spreading holiday magic to those who may otherwise feel forgotten. Donations of new, unwrapped toys or monetary contributions ensure Santa’s sleigh is fully stocked.

Seniors Secret Service
Isolated seniors often face loneliness during the holidays. This organization pairs volunteers with seniors to fulfill their holiday wish lists, providing thoughtful and personalized gifts. You can “adopt” a senior and ensure they feel cherished and remembered during this special time.

EvenStart for Children Foundation
Through their Annual Christmas Hamper Drive, EvenStart supports vulnerable children and their families by providing hampers filled with necessities and gifts. Volunteers help pack and deliver hampers, and donations of toys, clothing, and household items are always appreciated.

The Mustard Seed
Serving individuals experiencing homelessness, The Mustard Seed offers warm meals, essential services, and programs that bring hope during the holiday season. Their holiday meal services and gift distribution events are excellent opportunities to volunteer or donate items like winter clothing and hygiene kits.

Edmonton Charities

Edmonton’s Food Bank
Edmonton’s Food Bank helps feed thousands of families each month, and their holiday food drives ensure everyone can enjoy a festive meal. They rely on community support for donations and volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute hampers during the busy holiday season.

630 CHED Santas Anonymous
This iconic Edmonton program delivers toys to less fortunate children, ensuring they wake up to the magic of Christmas. Volunteers can assist with sorting, wrapping, or delivering gifts, and donations of new, unwrapped toys are always needed. This is a wonderful way to bring smiles to kids’ faces.

Christmas Bureau of Edmonton
The Christmas Bureau provides festive meals to low-income families. Their Adopt-A-Teen program ensures teens receive a gift card, making them feel included in the holiday joy. Volunteering or donating to this initiative spreads the warmth of Christmas throughout the community.

Can Man Dan Foundation
Founded by community activist Dan Johnstone, this organization hosts events like food and toy drives to support Edmonton’s most vulnerable populations. Volunteering at one of their festive initiatives or donating can help make the holidays brighter for many.

Christmas Community Blessings
Based in Sherwood Park, this grassroots group provides personalized gifts and food hampers to families facing hardships. Community members can sponsor a family, donate items, or volunteer to pack and deliver hampers. Their efforts remind everyone of the true meaning of giving.

Red Deer and Medicine Hat Charities

Extending the spirit of giving beyond Calgary and Edmonton, here are four remarkable charities in Red Deer and Medicine Hat that you can support this Christmas:

Red Deer Charities

Red Deer Christmas Bureau
For over 60 years, this non-profit organization has been dedicated to ensuring that children and families in need experience the joy of Christmas. They provide toys and food hampers to those facing financial hardships during the holiday season.

The Outreach Centre’s Adopt-A-Family Program
This initiative focuses on supporting vulnerable single-parent families by providing gift cards, and empowering parents to purchase what their families need most during the holidays.

Medicine Hat Charities

Medicine Hat Santa Claus Fund
Established in 1986, this charity ensures that less fortunate families receive a full Christmas supper and toys for their children, bringing the spirit of community and hope to those in need.

Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society’s Christmas Hamper Program
This program provides Christmas gifts to families impacted by family violence, aiming to make their holiday season brighter by offering new toys and gift cards.

This holiday season, avoid the financial anxiety that comes from holiday debt and reflect on what matters most: connection, compassion, and community. Supporting these local charities is a beautiful way to share the holiday spirit while giving back to those who need it most. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or simply spread awareness, your actions can light up someone’s Christmas and create memories that last far beyond the festive season.

This year, give a gift that truly matters—a gift from the heart.

Additional Reading:

• Saying “No” Can Save You Money
• 1 Hour Holiday Spending Treadmill Course
• 10 Financial New Year Goals
• Your Mental Health is Important

Have questions?

Need more information or want to talk to an accredited financial counsellor for peace of mind? Let us help.
Call 1-888-294-0076 or book an appointment. It’s free for all Albertans.