Charities to Donate to in Canada
Canada is known for its generosity and strong sense of community. Every year, millions of Canadians donate money, goods or their time to support those in need, both within the country and across the globe. With so many charitable organizations working tirelessly to improve lives, it can be difficult to know where to start. Whether your passion lies in helping children, supporting families in crisis, fighting poverty or providing emergency relief, there are countless ways to make an impact. Let's take a closer look at charities to donate to in Canada.
1. UNICEF Canada: Protecting Children Worldwide
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is one of the world’s most recognized humanitarian organizations. UNICEF Canada continues this mission by focusing on the rights and well-being of children both globally and at home. This organization works in over 190 countries to provide essential healthcare, clean water, nutrition, education and emergency relief to children in crisis.
Canadians can contribute by making one-time or monthly donations, purchasing gifts through UNICEF’s Survival Gifts program or organizing community fundraisers. The Survival Gifts—like vaccines, school supplies or water purification tablets—are tangible ways to see your contribution at work. For those who prefer hands-on involvement, UNICEF Canada also encourages youth engagement through advocacy and awareness campaigns.
2. Human Appeal Canada: Providing Hope and Relief
Human Appeal is a global humanitarian and development organization with a strong presence in Canada. Founded on the values of compassion and dignity, Human Appeal focuses on long-term sustainable projects such as building water wells, supporting orphaned children, providing food aid and offering education and healthcare initiatives in vulnerable communities.
In Canada, Human Appeal also runs local food and winter relief programs to support families facing hardship. Canadians can get involved by sponsoring an orphan, contributing to seasonal campaigns like Ramadan or winter drives or volunteering at fundraising events. Their transparent approach ensures donors can see exactly where their money is going, making it a trusted choice for those seeking to help both locally and internationally.
3. Penny Appeal Canada: Small Change, Big Difference
Penny Appeal Canada operates under the motto “Small Change, Big Difference," highlighting how even modest contributions can have a huge impact. The organization tackles a wide range of causes, from clean water projects and emergency response to education and shelter for vulnerable communities.
Within Canada, Penny Appeal has launched programs like Feed Our World and Hinna’s Home for domestic violence survivors, emphasizing that charity starts at home. Canadians can participate through monetary donations, monthly giving or by joining volunteer efforts to support local and international programs.
4. Supporting Local Food Banks and Shelters
While global aid is vital, many Canadians face challenges closer to home. According to Food Banks Canada, nearly two million visits were made to food banks across the country in 2024—a record high. Local food banks, such as Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto or Calgary Food Bank, rely heavily on community support to keep their shelves stocked.
You can donate non-perishable food items, fresh produce or funds, as well as volunteer your time to sort and distribute supplies. Clothing donations are equally valuable, especially for shelters that serve people experiencing homelessness or families fleeing domestic violence. Warm coats, boots and blankets can make a world of difference during the harsh Canadian winters.
Organizations like The Salvation Army, Covenant House and The Red Door Family Shelter are always seeking clothing, hygiene products and volunteers. Donating gently used items or running a clothing drive at work or school are simple ways to support these efforts.
5. The Power of Volunteering
Not all contributions need to be financial. Volunteering your time is one of the most meaningful ways to give back. Across Canada, countless charities depend on volunteers for everything from administrative work and event planning to direct service delivery.
Platforms like Volunteer Canada or CharityVillage make it easy to find local opportunities that match your skills and schedule. Whether you’re mentoring youth, serving meals at a shelter, planting trees or assisting with disaster relief, volunteering connects you directly to the community you’re helping.
6. Choosing the Right Charity
When deciding where to donate, it’s important to ensure your contributions go to legitimate, transparent organizations. Look for charities registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which provides a searchable database of registered nonprofits. This helps confirm their legitimacy and allows you to claim tax deductions for your donations.
Consider what causes resonate most with you—children, education, healthcare or local poverty reduction—and choose organizations with a proven track record in those areas. There are charities to donate to in Canada that match what you want to support.
A Culture of Giving
Charitable giving in Canada goes beyond financial generosity—it’s about building stronger, more compassionate communities. Whether you donate to international organizations or support local food banks and shelters, every contribution counts.
From dropping off canned goods to signing up for a monthly donation, Canadians have countless ways to help. Each act of kindness—no matter how small—ripples outward, strengthening our collective commitment to making the world a better place.