With another cold snap set to hit Calgary this week, not everyone is privileged enough to have a warm meal to eat and a roof over their heads. There are many Calgarians in need this holiday season, and it’s a great time to give back if you’ve got some food or clothing donations to share.
It’s not too late to make a difference this holiday season in Calgary. If you’ve been looking to spread good tidings and cheer before Christmas arrives, there are a few ways to do just that. Here are a few places still in need of donations, volunteers and support this holiday season.
The Calgary Food Bank helps feed hungry Calgarians and families in need. They have a wish list of year-round food items, but they’re especially in need of pasta, canned tomatoes, peanut butter, diapers (size 1 to 6) and formula this holiday season. You can drop off your donation at Door 7 at the Calgary Food Bank Warehouse on Mondays to Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Calgary Food Bank Warehouse — 5000 11th St. SE
Time: Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This faith-based organization seeks to eliminate homelessness and reduce poverty in Calgary. They accept donations for all seasons of men’s and women’s new and gently used and laundered clothing, footwear, backpacks, blankets, towels and hygiene items. For the holidays, the Mustard Seed are currently seeking winter essentials like blankets, thermal underwear, winter jackets, gloves and mitts, men’s medium size clothing and new underwear. You can also build a backpack for a Calgarian in need (darker colours preferred) and fill it with underwear, long underwear, warm socks, toques, mitts, a travel mug, Tim Hortons gift cards and transit tickets.
Where: The Mustard Seed Community Impact Centre — 102 11th Ave. SE
Time: Daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Until Dec. 31, Women in Need Society (WINS) will match charitable donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000, thanks to a donation through the Benefaction Foundation. WINS also accepts gently used household belongings, and your donation can provide affordable and quality items to individuals and families who may not have the means to purchase them at retail prices. Whether it’s clothing, furniture, or household items, WINS ensures that your pre-loved items go to those who need them most. If you’re downsizing or have some gently used Christmas decorations that need a new home, think WINS.
Where: WINS Donation Centre — 137 – 7007 54th St. SE (Bay 26)
Time: Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Alice Sanctuary helps rehome orphaned and injured farm animals, providing them with shelter and loving care. You can make a monetary donation to the sanctuary or sponsor an animal to provide food and veterinary support to an animal in need.
Where: The Alice Sanctuary — Box 80003, RPO Downtown, Airdrie, Alta.
Time: Monetary donations accepted anytime
You can help provide gifts to women and families in need this Christmas by donating to the Women’s Centre of Calgary’s Toy Room. In 2024, they provided gifts to nearly 1,400 women and children with support from volunteers and donors. The Women’s Centre accept new, unwrapped gift donations for children ages 0–17 and women of all ages. For both children’s gifts and women’s gifts, they recommend selecting gifts in the $25–$50 price range. You can also make a tax-deductible donation to the Holiday Toy Room anytime online. The Centre is also currently in need of diapers (size 3, 4, 5, and 6), shampoo and conditioner, lotion, body wash, deodorant, sanitary pads/napkins, gift cards for grocery stores, plastic and reusable bags, face care products, toilet paper and new socks.
Where: Women’s Centre of Calgary — 39 4th St. NE
Time: Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Calgary’s first and most robust animal welfare clinic is in need this holiday season, and you can help. The Calgary Humane Society are urgently requesting gently used dog harnesses, leashes (double-ended or slip leads only), breakaway collars (cat and dog), pet toys and clean litter pans and scoops. They are also seeking new and unopened animal food, animal treats, critter supplies (chew toys, wood huts, etc.), cat litter (open or unopened), aquatic plastic and silk plants. Give a needy pup or kitty the Christmas they deserve!
Where: Calgary Humane Society — 4455 110th Ave. SE, Calgary
Time: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Made by Momma cook and bake healthy prepared freezer meals and wholesome baked goods for mothers recovering from illness and injury, mothers experiencing situations of adversity, and new moms who need some extra support while breastfeeding. Their holiday food hamper checklist includes requests for $100 grocery gift cards for perishables, turkey stuffing mix, gravy mix, cranberry sauce, biscuit mix, scalloped potatoes, canned vegetables and fruits, pickles, crackers, pancake mix, syrup, bags of rice, canned soup, baked beans, hot chocolate mix, instant coffee and tea, instant oatmeal, pasta sauce, canned tuna, salad dressing, jam, peanut butter, cereal, juice, Jell-O boxes, and candy canes. They also have an extensive list of year-round donation items, including diapers and baby formula.
Where: Made by Momma — 66 21st St. NW, Calgary
Time: Check donation drop-off times
The Community Kitchen Program of Calgary operates a self-empowering model to address the needs of marginalized Calgarians. 1/4 of Alberta families struggle with food insecurity, and a monetary donation can help provide holiday Good Food boxes to families in need. The program is also seeking volunteers.
Where: 3751 21st St. NE, Calgary
Time: Monetary donations accepted anytime
You can brighten a child’s stay in the hospital with gifts of toys and books, gift cards and even art donations. Check out the foundation’s wish list for more ideas and bring some holiday joy to a sick child’s Christmas this year.
Where: Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation — 28 Oki Dr. NW, Calgary
When: Contact for details
For over 27 years, Inn from the Cold has been helping vulnerable families find stability in times of crisis. You can make a monetary donation to help a family in need this winter, or volunteer your time in the soup kitchen at their local shelter.
Where: #110, 706 7th Ave. S.W., Calgary
When: Monetary donations accepted anytime; soup kitchen volunteers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays
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Em Medland-Marchen
Em is a Staff Writer for Curiocity Calgary. They are passionate about live music, rose gardens, iced coffee, and walks along the Bow River.
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