The holiday season is an opportunity to give back to the community one last time before the year turns, and there are plenty of good deeds to do in the city.
The nostalgia and magic vibes of the holiday season provide an opportunity for Torontonians to look back and reflect on their year, and also one last chance to give back to the community before 2026.
For those looking to spend their time volunteering for a meaningful cause, here are some places where your efforts are needed this holiday season.
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Holiday Helpers
This Canada-registered charity aims to help low-income families with young children with an opportunity to enjoy the jolly season and provide financial relief by preparing customized gift packages, wrapping presents, and making deliveries.
There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at Holiday Helpers this season, receiving, sorting and logging donations, preparing packages for delivery, and even becoming a Santa’s delivery elf, and delivering gifts to families across the GTA.
For more information on how to volunteer, visit Holiday Helpers.
Second Harvest
Canada’s largest food rescue organization, Second Harvest, is also a great option for those looking to volunteer. Use your talent, time, and will to help make a real impact for others, and volunteer your time sorting food, preparing meals, writing thoughtful messages to accompany food, and more.
For more information on how to volunteer, visit Second Harvest.
Daily Bread Food Bank
Whether you are a regular volunteer all year long or want to make a difference for one day, Daily Bread Food Bank is always looking for volunteers who want to step up and help with their mission to end hunger.
This food bank, located in South Etobicoke, has plenty of volunteer positions available for groups and individuals, with roles including food preparation, serving, and event support. They’re even looking for volunteers in administrative roles.
For more information on how to volunteer, visit Daily Bread Food Bank.
WoodGreen
This organization provides several programs and community services for Toronto residents in need, from affordable housing to employment support to mental health services.
To support this mission, WoodGreen offers several opportunities for volunteers to give back while connecting with the community and building new skills. You can sign up to mentor students, serve meals, coordinate services, provide counselling, help with filing taxes, and more.
For more information on how to volunteer, visit WoodGreen.
Meals on Wheels
Another organization helping the fight against food insecurity in Ontario is Meals on Wheels, which delivers flavourful and nutritious dishes to seniors, people with disabilities, and those who need special dietary assistance.
Serving 181 Ontario communities, this local program is looking for volunteers to help with their cause, with most positions involving delivering meals and greeting homebound seniors in your neighbourhood.
For more information on how to volunteer, visit Meals on Wheels.
Toronto Humane Society
The Toronto Humane Society works year-round to help get animals off the street through care and advocacy.
To help out the city’s animals this holiday season and help this mission, you can volunteer to assist with caring for cats, dogs, and other species, making sure their space is clean and comfortable, and implementing positive training.
For more information on how to volunteer, visit the Toronto Humane Society.
