As the holiday season approaches, it's time to stop and think how lucky we are. Many of us in Canada get to celebrate the holidays with family and friends and put a feast on the table. We revel over the magic of the season, especially for kids.

The festive season may inspire you to think, 'What can I do to make the world a better place for children everywhere?'

The following are my favourite charities.

1. World Vision Canada

Specific campaign or project within the organization: Cooking for Justice

Last February, I travelled to Cambodia with World Vision and chef Roger Mooching to kick off the Cooking for Justice campaign. I learned about how food affects a child's health and how we can make a difference.

It was heartening to see how this organization helps children in Cambodia with aid for nutrition and health programs, as well as education. If you decide to host a Cooking for Justice party at your place during the holidays to increase awareness, simply ask for donations. You'll be surprised how much money you can collect in just one evening.

Why now: Malnourished kids all over the world need help. A growing global food crisis means food security is a big issue in many countries, and our country is in a position to help.

For more, read my posts about Cambodia in The Life blog, Part 1 and Part 2.

2. Canadian Feed the Children

Specific campaign or project within the organization: Spotlight on Haiti

This organization's mission is simple: a world in which all children thrive, free of poverty. And Haiti is struggling to make this happen.

Why now: For more than 10 years, Canadian Feed The Children has helped children overcome the many challenges they face in Haiti. Here, the struggles of poverty have been worsened by natural catastrophes and an outbreak of cholera last year.

To see where your money goes, visit canadianfeedthechildren.ca


Page 1 of 2 -- Discover how charities like UNICEF and Canadian Red Cross are helping those here in Canada and abroad on page 2.
3. UNICEF

Specific campaign or project within the organization: Infant and Young Child Feeding

UNICEF strives to protect, promote and support the best possible infant and young child feeding practices.

The benefits of improved nutrition, growth, development, health and ultimately the survival of infants and young children are great. Say project co-ordinators: "It is well recognized that the period from birth to two years of age is the 'critical window' for the promotion of good growth, health, and behavioral development."

Why now: Child mortality in most countries has been decreasing in past decades. However, neonatal and maternal mortality have, for the most part, remained the same.

To see where your money goes: Click to watch videos.

4. Breakfast for Learning

Specific campaign or project within the organization: An Apple a Day Monthly Giving Program

Breakfast for Learning is Canada's leading national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to child nutrition programs. When a child is well-nourished, they perform better in school and this organization works to ensure that students receive the healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks they need to succeed.

Why now: One in 10 children in Canada live below the poverty line. You support the organization in an affordable way year-round by supporting this program.

To see where your money goes: Click here to sign up for the Breakfast for Learning's e-newsletter

5. Canadian Red Cross

Specific campaign or project within the organization: Horn of Africa Drought Appeal

For more than a century, Canadians have had their own Red Cross National Society dedicated to improving the situation of the most vulnerable people in Canada and around the world.

Why now: A cycle of severe droughts led to a humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa (which includes Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Uganda). It's estimated that more than 13 million people have been affected, many fleeing their homes and are now left with limited access to food, clean water and shelter.

To learn more: Visit Redcross.ca

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