Four Charities for Festive Giving

This time of year we feel really fortunate, and as we take time to celebrate the holidays and new year, we bring you some charities for your consideration.

When small amounts of our money join with small amounts of other people’s money, we can make big differences — both here at home as well as in other places of the world. Here are 4 charities that are particularly on our minds this time of the year.

1) Operation Eyesight

For as little as $30, you can pay for someone’s eyesight to be restored through cataract surgery. Sometimes Operation Eyesight sends you a card with the name of the operation recipient. For us, it was really touching to know that a memorial gift made in a family member’s name gave Mrs. Chaudhury her sight back.

2) Plan Canada

Plan Canada Gifts of Hope Gift Guide

Plan Canada has an amazing Gifts of Hope Guide with giving levels from $12 (a checkup for a newborn) all the way up to $50,000 (an obstetrics centre) with all levels in between. There’s something for everyone: give a goat, a mango tree, a soccer ball, a classroom full of books,  or whatever sparks your imagination.

3) Kiva

How Kiva Works from Kiva on Vimeo.

With Kiva, you make a donation, target it to a micro-loan recipient, and then as your money is repaid back to Kiva, you can loan it again! Line 21 is proud to have made 117 Kiva loans with a total $1000 recirculating investment. These loans are helping 117 different entrepreneurs around the world get their businesses off the ground. Sometimes a little really can do a lot.

4) The BC Cancer Foundation

Donate to the BC Cancer Foundation

Sadly, this year, one of us at Line 21 suffered the loss of an incredible family member to cancer. The BC Cancer Foundation raises money exclusively for the BC Cancer Agency to improve cancer care and research for British Columbians, and to reduce mortality due to cancer. We give this year in his memory.

Wishing you all the very happiest of holidays and a new year full of all good things!

December Recipe: Kir Royale

Photo by Tim Lucas by CC BY 2.0
Photo by Tim Lucas

Last December we brought you our recipe for Hot Buttered Rum.

This year we’re giving you the Kir Royale. It’s always been a fancy fruity favourite at our Christmas parties, so we’re sharing with you!

1/4 oz Creme de Cassis/Chambord
2 1/4 oz Dry White Wine, possibly sparkling

Mix the drink gently and enjoy!