As the holidays approach, the women and children at Nellie’s are working toward stability, safety, and a fresh start. This time of year can be heavy for many — but it’s also when we see the strength of our donor community shine the brightest. Your support helps families feel seen and supported, whether they’re staying in the shelter or accessing our community services. Here are three of the most meaningful ways you can make an impact this season:
Donate cash
The saying may be that “cash is king”, but here at Nellie’s, we prefer to say that “cash is Queen”. Above all, monetary donations are still the most critical type of support you can give to Nellie’s. Cash donations allow us to be more flexible as an organization, and help us respond to urgent needs more swiftly. Here are some ways your gift can help the woman and children at Nellie’s:
- $35 pays for a taxi to transport a woman and her children away from a life-threatening situation.
- $75 pays for one day’s food and housing at our shelter.
- $150 provides support services for a woman and her children for one month.
The donation you make today will help Nellie’s support women and their children as they build a brighter future, free of violence and poverty. And if you want to take your support to the next level, consider becoming a monthly donor. These regular donations give us invaluable security that we can pass on to the women and children we support.
Donate gift cards
Gift cards are an amazing present for the families we support. Whether these cards help them buy necessities like food, clothes, diapers, or toiletries, gift cards for grocery stores or Wal-Mart can make a huge difference for a single mom who’s doing everything she can to give her kids what they need. Dollarama or Tim Hortons gift cards are also really appreciated by our families.
Give a gift of securities
Donating securities is one of the financially smartest ways to make a holiday gift to Nellie’s. By giving stocks, bonds, or mutual funds directly, you skip the capital gains tax that would apply if you sold them before donating. You’ll still receive a charitable tax receipt, and your gift can go further — all while helping you rebalance your investments if that’s part of your year-end planning. Talk to your financial advisor to see if this option works for you.
When we can count on you, women can count on Nellie’s. Thank you for your generous support, and happy holidays! For more information on how you can support Nellie’s, please visit our Support Us page or email jburns@nellies.org.