Holiday shopping is in full swing! As we brave the stores or shop online, we’re bombarded by holiday campaigns from our favorite retailers. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest gadgets and trends but it’s also important to tune into what’s important, ensuring my family and I develop traditions that foster giving rather than taking, especially the holiday season. This post is all about why and how the holidays should be about giving back.
Give Locally
Last week, a passion project of mine came to life, Shop & Talk Market. With a goal of supporting local vendors while raising funds for the Abbotsford Food Bank, the event was a true testament to what we can do when we join forces. I’ve had my Motherhood blog in the Fraser Valley for a few years now and this was by far one of my favourite endeavours that it has brought me to complete.
Through conscious collaboration, and a vision to connect local business owners, over 25 vendors and local musicians came together for this year’s event. Big thanks to HighStreet for letting us use their space too!
The rush of the holiday season was the perfect time to build connection while giving back to the community of Abbotsford. I am so humbled by the incredible feedback and support from local media, influencers and the community as a whole. Together we raised $3000 & connected with Grimm’s Foods who also joined in to donate food and other products to support the Abbotsford Food Bank. So incredibly happy with this donation!
Photography: Julie Christine Photography
Shop Ethically
There are hundreds of options available to us when it comes to shopping for our friends and family this holiday season. It can be challenging to find the right gift for somebody. But, when you know the gift is not only something the recipient would adore but has also been ethically sourced, you’ve really hit the jackpot!
Supporting local businesses that use local materials, and understanding the manufacturing process of the gifts your giving, can go a long way in supporting those who truly deserve it. In an age of fast fashion, ethical manufacturing and operations often take a backseat in an effort to secure cheap labour and materials.
Justly Market is a local company spearheaded by Tara Teng. Her passion for philanthropy and human rights prompted her to create this company. With an understanding that it can be difficult to purchase high-quality products that are truly ethical, they do the work for you. Using their Justly Certified rating system, Tara and her team have curated a site filled with amazing products for you to shop with confidence knowing you are making a real difference.
Support a Cause
Let’s face it. Gift-giving can be a very difficult task. It takes significant creativity to find a gift that gets that reaction we’re all looking for. My tip? Give a gift that makes a difference. There are numerous organizations that support a cause, and the International Justice Mission’s (IJM) Gift Catalogue is the perfect place to get creative! From beautiful jewelry that supports victims of violence to funding a rescue operation to free victims of slavery, the options are endless. This year’s catalogue features a gorgeous pair of earrings and necklace handcrafted by JustOne in Kibera slums, Kenya.
When you purchase a gift from IJM, you impact the millions of people trapped in slavery worldwide. As we get caught up in the chaos of the holiday season, giving gifts with meaning can create lasting memories that will live on forever.
This holiday season, I challenge you to buy local, shop ethically, and support a cause. The holiday season can be overwhelming, and my hope is that the tradition of giving back will grow beyond the materialism of the holidays and that you’ve some great ideas for how to give back this Christmas.
CONTEST: Now it’s my turn to give back to all of you! I’m giving away a pair of earrings that were handcrafted by JustOne in Kibera slums, Kenya. Whenever a pair is sold a portion of the cost will support IJM Canada’s urgent needs around the world. Head to my Instagram feed to enter to win! @creativewifeandjoyfulworker
I plan on buying local, donating local and continuing to support local talent
Think I comment here how giving back to the community!
Our church bible study group picked a low income family that struggles and bought the children gifts and single Mama. I think each of our community groups did this with a different family!
I plan and have already shopped locally, ethically and giving back to food bank:)
The emphasis on giving back during the holidays is admirable, and it’s also a wonderful time to consider giving the gift of jewelry. Jewelry carries sentimental value and can make meaningful presents.