Toronto kicks off “12 Days of Giving” campaign: Learn how to give back

Toronto kicks off “12 Days of Giving” campaign to celebrate Giving Tuesday— Today, on Giving Tuesday, the City of Toronto extends its sincere thanks to all the gracious residents and businesses who have donated gifts, goods and services to help support Toronto’s most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, also marks the first day of the City’s “12 Days of Giving” social media campaign, where the City will use its Twitter account to highlight a different way people can give on each of the next 12 days.

From April to August 2020, the City’s DonateTO program managed approximately $15.5 million in donations of food, goods, services and financial gifts, connecting donors to programs where their gifts make a real difference – from funds directed to COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts, personal protective equipment, warehouse space to support the production of food packages, supplies to help furnish affordable housing units, to digital tablets helping residents in long-term care homes stay connected with loved ones, as just a few examples.

“On Giving Tuesday, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed in some way to help those who are facing difficult times. Your generosity has allowed us to help those who need it the most and ensure that residents are being supported throughout the pandemic. Torontonians have always put each other first and this year has been no different – it’s the Toronto way,” said Mayor John Tory.

For those still looking to give back, there are a number of community organizations that would appreciate your support this holiday season.

Examples of ways to give include:

• Holiday Wish List: The list features 14 City-funded community agencies that support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Each agency has provided a wish list, which includes things like donations of clothes, personal hygiene products, gift cards and toys.
• Donations to food organizations such as North York Harvest, Second Harvest and FoodShare. During this challenging time, the Daily Bread Food Bank is also accepting monetary donations at dailybread.ca and is encouraging residents and businesses to set up their own online fundraiser to support the organization. Residents can also place online orders at their local grocery store, and have it delivered to the Daily Bread warehouse at 191 New Toronto St., Toronto, ON, M8V 2E7.
• Donations to support pets living with low-income families, medical care for sick and injured animals, as well as to support spay/neuter and vaccination programs. To protect staff and animals during COVID-19, Toronto Animal Services is accepting financial donations only at toronto.ca/helptheanimals or at 416-338-7387 (PETS).
• Firefighters Toy Drive : Donate a new unwrapped toy or a gift card for an older child to your local Toronto Fire Hall. To learn more visit.
• Donations of funds, goods and services to City and community partner programs can be made through the DonateTO, the City’s official giving portal, at toronto.ca/donate.

These organizations and more will be highlighted during the City’s “12 Days of Giving” Twitter campaign. Follow the campaign at @CityofToronto .

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