Toronto Luxury Real Estate: Twelve Days of Giving

Over the past few years, we have celebrated “Twelve Days of Giving” by making donations over a period of twelve days to various charities that are close to our hearts. We are very grateful for our success in real estate and are happy to give back to local charities, especially in these times of economic uncertainty. Below you can read about the organizations we are supporting this year.

First Day of Giving

Canadian Cancer Society

This donation was made in memory of my father KEITH BRAITHWAITE. We lost him this past year after his battle with cancer and I feel this is a cause that continually needs our support. Though the treatment curbed the cancer, he never bounced back afterwards. I think that more research is required to figure out how to cure cancer without the negative long-term effects of the treatment. We have made amazing progress and with further funding we can hopefully cure this insidious disease.

Second Day of Giving

Toronto Sick Kids Hospital

With the news of this hospital being beyond capacity due to the combination of COVID, flu and RSV, it is clear that continued support is needed. Sick Kids is world-renowned, and a celebrity message is helping to get the word out.

Ryan Reynolds continues his campaign to raise funds for this amazing hospital. “Ryan’s ugly/not ugly holiday sweater is back. And this year it’s talking – asking you to join Ryan in bringing joy to kids in hospital by donating. Donate before midnight on December 24, and friends at Samsung will match your donation for double the impact.”

Third Day of Giving

Campfire Circle

Campfire Circle is the new name for the now-amalgamated Camps Oochigeas and Trillium, both of which offer programs for children with cancer. They not only provide summer camp for these kids but also provide bedside craft kits and run camp-style programs within the hospital to help distract these children from their battle.

Fourth Day of Giving

Canada-Ukrainian Foundation

Early in 2022, Ukraine was invaded by Russia and there appears to be no end in sight. So many Ukrainians have been displaced and some have sought refuge in Canada. A donation can be directed to Ukraine to assist those left fighting or funds can be directed to help those who fled to Canada. Supporting Ukraine is so important as this invasion challenges our freedoms and democracy.

Fifth Day of Giving

The Stop Community Food Centre

The Stop is more than just a food bank. It provides drop-in meal programs, a healthy food bank, perinatal support, good food markets, community kitchens, healthy cooking demonstrations, nutritional counselling, housing and legal advice. They also offer workshops on tenant and employment rights, movie screenings, arts and crafts, as well as urban gardens to provide fresh produce to those in need. I continually feel this is a wonderful organization to support.

Sixth Day of Giving

Daily Bread Food Bank

With inflation so high and access to healthy food becoming more difficult, we continue to donate to food banks. Inflation is outpacing pay raises and rents are skyrocketing to the extent that more and more people are visiting food banks. By the end of 2022, there will have been over 2 million visits to food banks in the City of Toronto. The Daily Bread Food Bank supports inner city neighbourhoods where many are struggling to put food on the table.

Seventh Day of Giving

Jack.org

Mental health and depression continue to be prevalent in kids, especially when they head off to university. The staggering fact is that suicide remains the number one cause of death among our youth. “Jack.org is Canada’s only charity training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health in every province and territory.” They host talks and have chapters within communities to talk openly about mental health issues.

Eighth Day of Giving

Toronto Foundation for Student Success

One in four kids lives in poverty in Toronto. Many of these kids go to school hungry. The Toronto Foundation for Student Success (TFSS) provides programs to assist children struggling. They offer student nutrition programs, “Beyond 3:30pm” after school programs, vision and hearing clinics, and an emergency fund to provide financial support in emergency situations.

Ninth Day of Giving

Stella’s Place

Stella’s Place provides mental health services to youth between the ages of 16-29 living in Toronto. This organization helps those suffering from anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues or coping with trauma, life transitions and sexuality struggles.

Tenth Day of Giving

YWCA 1st Stop Woodlawn

We park on Woodlawn when we go to our Chestnut Park office. The 1st Stop Woodlawn residence run by the YWCA is located on this quiet tree-lined street. 1st Stop is an emergency shelter for women who are homeless or in distress, and supporting them is a wonderful opportunity to support a charity right in our neighbourhood. The residence provides 72 private rental rooms for women and gender-diverse individuals. They also provide free breakfasts and subsidized dinners, a community kitchen, an outdoor garden, and financial planning workshops. With affordable housing becoming a challenge, it is nice to know the YWCA offers options for those who can’t afford accommodation in Toronto.

Eleventh Day of Giving

Salvation Army

Over 2.6 million people were helped by the Salvation Army last year. People in need received food, clothing and/or practical assistance, and 5,500 shelter beds were provided for people in need.

Twelfth Day of Giving

CTV Toy Mountain

So many kids don’t receive gifts under their Christmas trees, so it’s always nice to donate to the Salvation Army as they help to provide toys to kids in need. You can also drop off an unwrapped toy at various locations in throughout the City of Toronto and surrounding areas.

We wish everyone a joyous holiday season! Please remember to give generously to those in need.