8 Causes To Get You Inspired This Christmas
Crowdfunding Advisors, FundRazr Team
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” – Buddy the Elf
Buddy’s motto rings true to the many charities and nonprofit organizations that work tirelessly to support people, communities, projects and animals that need it most. Not only are you giving generously when you contribute to a campaign, but you are also singing loud for all your friends to hear echoes of support for your chosen cause via social media! Ah the power of crowdfunding!
FundRazr has the unique opportunity to be a platform for countless organizations to pool together money from generous donors with the purpose of giving to those in need. Whether it’s a center for youth with developmental disabilities to be creative, transporting 150 small rescue/shelter dogs to new homes for the holidays or assisting a young poet to stay in school. We’re excited by the range of charities telling their stories, and to witness the number of people giving to them as gifts.
To celebrate the spirit of giving, we are highlighting 8 nonprofit organizations that are inspiring the community and giving back this holiday season. Join us in celebrating Christmas in a charitable way: read their stories, contribute to their cause and share it with your friends. After all tis’ the season for giving!
1) The Christmas Pyjama Drive
In 2010, in an attempt to teach their son compassion, Reese Shelly’s parents had a conversation about some families in their community that go without gifts at Christmas. Reese’s answer was “not even pyjamas” – a family tradition. And with this…The Christmas Pyjama Drive was born! Ever since then, Reese has been on a mission to provide new pyjamas for deserving kids and donate them to various Christmas Hampers & Community Outreach Programs. Over the last 4 years, through the support of donors he has collected over 7000 pairs!! Reese’s goal for 2014 is to collect 4000 pairs and needs your help!
2) Soul Source Foundation
Join Soul Source Foundation to help women, girls and their families in rural Kenyan villages through women’s empowerment and access to education. They aim to provide training for women’s groups in Western Kenya in villages around Lake Victoria, groups in Busia and around Nairobi. The program works to empower young girls to stay in school through their secondary education and potentially impact the poverty cycle that is part of their community history.
3) Kids Up Front
Jim is helping Jane and her family with their christmas wish. Jane, alongside her sister and mother, recently escaped an abusive household. Now living on social assistance, her mother is working to piece their lives back together. There is barely enough for the necessities, let alone anything extra. The day Jim gave Jane a donated ticket from Kids Up Front to attend a professional sports game, she was absolutely amazed. Jim will never forget the smile that came over her face – it was ear to ear. There was a transformation – sheer happiness, more confidence. Help Kids Up Front Vancouver meet their goal of raising $10,000 so they can help 1,000 more children like Jane.
4) Kerzner Relief Fund Inc.
Fortunately, in advance of Hurricane Odile passing through Los Cabos, the staff at One&Only Palmilla were able to evacuate our guests from the resort. However, for members of the One&Only Palmilla Team and their families, there was no escaping the damaging effects of the storm and its aftermath. In response to requests from the extended One&Only Family, including their guests and business partners, who wish to contribute to the Hurricane Odile relief effort, they have established the Kerzner Relief Fund which is available for those who wish to help our Team rebuild their lives.
5) Lev Leytzan: The Heart of Therapeutic Clowning Inc.
Avi Schwartzblatt has a mission to bring joy, laughter and presents to children with serious medical issues during Chanukah this year. Avi has been an active member of the organization, Lev Leytzan: The Heart of Therapeutic Clowning, Inc. It’s a New York based medical clowning non-profit organization that works with children and adults hospitalized, homebound or in senior living facilities to bring cheer and joy to their lives. Avi will be spending his Chanukah vacation working 18 hours a day as a clown to bring joy to others. In order to go on this mission each clown needs to raise $3,000.
6) I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue
This holiday season, HOM | Sotheby’s International Realty has graciously offered to match all donations to I.C.A.R.E. Dog Rescue dollar for dollar up to $2,000! This money will go directly towards covering the medical and rehabilitation expenses for all of our rescue dogs including the recently abandoned mom and 10 puppies are now safe with a foster family. In the spirit of giving this season, please consider donating a few dollars to help support their rescue efforts.
7) Camp Dreamcatcher Inc.
This past August, while Jennifer Brown spent a week alongside more than 120 campers enjoying everything from fishing to yoga to music therapy sessions, she vowed she would do something big to demonstrate her support. Therefore, over the coming months, Jennifer will be training for a 50km (31 miles) trail race both to fundraise for the wonderful work Camp Dreamcatcher does and to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Please support Jennifer as she endeavor to cross two finish lines on January 31st next year—both the one at the end of the race and the goal to raise $5,000 for Camp Dreamcatcher.
8) cbm (christian blind mission)
Traff Green is a commercial eyewear designer, and strongly believes that he can play a part in breaking this poverty – disability cycle. His company, Reflections Eyewear, has partnered with cbm (christian blind mission) by supplying eyeglass frames at a fraction of the cost. For just $25, you can help correct impaired vision for one person. $100 would help a family of four and $500 could change the lives in a community. Any contribution will help restore sight and make a difference!
Find more nonprofits on FundRazr, and start your own fundraising campaign!
