Get giving

Local charities need your help
this year more than ever

by PATRICK LEJTENYI

On top of stock, home and savings value disappearing down a black hole of financial bumbling, Christmas giving is going to hurt local charities that depend on the kindness and generosity of donors. Corporate sponsorships are drying up, so many organizations that do great and good deeds are having to rely ever more on private donations. Here are some that need your help to help those around you.

Dans la rue Father Emmett “Pops” Johns’s celebrated organization has been helping at-risk street kids for 20 years now, and kicked off its annual fundraising drive yesterday, Dec. 10. Their goal this year is a cool $2.7-million, up a couple hundred Gs from last year thanks to government funding drying up. However, says executive director Aki Tchitacov, that small matter won’t get in the way of providing the same excellent care and services that have been their hallmark for two decades. “We made a commitment to these kids, and we will see them through to the end,” he says. “The most precious thing we can offer them is some stability.” To donate cash, non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products and new underwear, visit danslarue.org or call (514) 526-5222.

AIDS Community Care Montreal “2008 is becoming one of those years when people are giving a bit less,” says Alex Wysocki-Najar, ACCM’s coordinator of fundraising and volunteers. The Village-based community group specializing in supporting people living with HIV/AIDS and providing education and awareness about the condition does, however, have a specific if unusual request in 2008. “We need an industrial-size refrigerator,” says Wysocki-Najar. They also have an extensive wish list on their Web site (accmontreal.org), with everything from ink cartridges and lamps to desks, chairs and computers gratefully welcomed. Visit their Web site or call (514)-527-0928 to help.

Keith and Karyn Celebrating their eighth anniversary this year, Keith and Karyn’s Annual Christmas Caribbean Christmas Dinner and Toy Giveaway takes place, as usual, on Christmas Day at the Caribbean Paradise restaurant (8080 Newman, in LaSalle), from 1–6 p.m. With music by Michelle Sweeney, Skipper Dean, Cleopatra Marshall, CC Walker and the Soul Stream Band, the event is hoping to fill 1,000 bellies this year. They still need help though, in particular cash ($20 can feed a family of four), food (chicken, turkey, vegetables, canned foods and dessert), toys and books (new or used, as long as they’re in good condition), hygiene products and clothes for children or adults. To give, call (514) 486-4423 or e-mail keithandkaryn@videotron.ca.

Welcome Hall Mission This Montreal institution is more than just a homeless shelter for men—although its 145 beds are open every day of the year, including Christmas, and it still provides two meals a day, showers, clothing, hygiene products and counselling. It also serves over 2,000 poor and new immigrant families, offering help with tax forms, counselling and referrals, as well as back-to-school supplies and toys at Christmas. This year, they’ll be giving away 1,200 turkey meal baskets and hosting Christmas parties at their men’s and youth shelters. But they always need help, so if money or supplies are tight, try volunteering. Their Web site (missionbonaccueil.com) specifically requests help from qualified electricians, carpenters, cooks, babysitters, translators (English to Spanish or Russian), teachers and barbers. Call (514) 523-5288 for more info.

Share the Warmth In their big new ex-church digs on the corner of Wellington and Fortune in the Point, this community group/meals on wheels/homeless service will be giving out their annual Christmas food boxes and gifts and holding a special Santa Day for kids on Saturday, Dec. 20. Lise Lalande, the group’s associate director, says “Money, money, money and food, food, food” are things to consider donating—as well as volunteer time, especially during the week of Dec. 15, which she says will be especially crazy. If you want to help, visit sharethewarmth.ca or call them at (514) 933-5599.

Canadian SPCA This year has not been a pleasant one for the local SPCA, having first fired its longtime, controversial director Pierre Barnoti in July, and now finding itself on the receiving end of his $1.6-million lawsuit filed last week. Now, they’re sounding the alarm bells because they have over 100 cats and 30 dogs looking for a home. You can help them out by taking a loving, furry critter home, or by donating some money. Find out how to do both at www.spcamontreal.com or by calling (514) 735-2711. But if you wind up adopting a pet, please make sure you’re sure you want one. Far too many wind up back in a shelter once new owners discover allergies or the amount of work and cash it takes to raise an animal.