Support Black community and anti-racism charities this holiday season | Charity Gift Guide

There is so much good we can do, and beyond the conversation that started this year, Canadians need to stand up and support Black communities as they push for change.

Simply put, anti-Black racism needs to be stopped, Black Canadians need to be able to heal, and there is a lot of work to be done in every city, town, and village across the country to change the harm that has been done for so long.

There are a lot of ways you can help, and Black Lives Matter can use your support to stand up for change. There are also a number of vital initiatives across the country that are stepping in to do good, and they need your support.

This holiday season, before you start shopping for gifts–if you are able to do so–please contribute to a cause supporting Black Canadians. And whether you can donate to a cause or not, consider sharing details about one of the causes with your friends and family.

Black Health Alliance is a “community-led registered charity working to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada.”

The organization uses research and partnerships to improve the health and well-being of Black children, families and communities, while also mobilizing people and financial resources to create lasting change.

Black Women In Motion is a youth-led organization that “supports the advancement of black womxn and survivors of sexual violence.”

They “work within an anti-racist, intersectional feminist, trauma-informed and survivor-centred framework to create culturally-relevant content, educational tools, healing spaces and economic opportunities for black womxn.”

This year they are raising $150,000 to provide financial support and resources in Toronto to help against food and income insecurity due to COVID-19.

Black Youth Helpline is focused on “Respect, Education, and Health” for young Black youth. You can donate to support their initiatives, including their Stay-in-School program.

They are focused on “prevention of social, psychological breakdown in communities through a focus on education, health and community development.”

Make Music Matter is a unique advocacy group that supports “healing in harmony” with a music program that’s an important therapeutic tool “to help empower marginalized individuals and communities.”

Your donation will help use music and the creative process to inspire artists who need to heal from sexual violence and other traumas.

The GATE has made a contribution to the Black Health Alliance to support mental health initiatives for Black children, youth, and families.

Photo by Priscilla Gyamfi on Unsplash