12 days of Christmas (giving)

This time of year, Ottawa Police Service (OPS) members get into the holiday spirit by supporting organizations and initiatives that benefit less fortunate members of our community, whether they are ill, struggling to make ends meet or are in need of companionship. Here’s a list of 12 events happening in December you can contribute to as well.

#1 Since 1998, OPS staff have been hosting a Christmas party at the Perley Rideau Vets hospital. Monies collected go towards Christmas trees, gifts and goodies for vets without families and social activities and entertainment throughout the year. You can donate directly to the Perley Rideau Vets hospital.

#2 Want your donation to have an impact all-year round? The United Way Ottawa is ranked 11^th on the Top 100 Canadian Charities list. United Way Ottawa provides 100% local assistance.  If your workplace doesn’t have a campaign, you can still donate.

#3 The campaign that collects feminine hygiene products for women in need – and keeps them discreet by packing them in purses - is back. The Purse Project runs December 7 – 15 at participating OPS stations and Shoppers Drug Mart locations. See poster for details. You can drop off products with or without a purse. We’ll also take personal hygiene products for men in need too.

#4 Until December 18, the Youth Services Bureau (YSB) is providing Christmas stockings to 65 youth living in their Long-Term Housing facilities. Each stocking will include household items, holiday treats, and practical gift cards for food and necessities. You can purchase a basket or make a donation of the individual items to help a young person. 

#5 OPS has been a long-time supporter of Toy Mountain, which, through the Salvation Army and CTV provides presents to families in our city struggling to make ends meet. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at participating locations by December 9.

#6 OPS officers will be selling raffle tickets at the Christmas Cheer Breakfast on December 6 in support of the Ottawa Food Bank.  You can purchase tickets to the event or support the Ottawa Food Bank directly. Monetary donations go 5 times further!

#7 The OPS Hoopstars, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa and the law firm of Nelligan O’Brien Payne will deliver groceries and gifts for pre-selected families on December 17. You can make a contribution to the BGCO to make a local family’s holiday brighter. Cash donations are most helpful, as families have created wish lists.

#8 OPS officers will be collecting money for CHEO to help kids with cancer hospitalized over Christmas. The money is used to buy toys for the ward and leftover funds will be donated to cancer research. You can donate directly to the CHEO Foundation or join the CHEO volunteer program. PHOTO

#9 For some people in our community, warm winter clothing is what they’re looking for this holiday season. The Snowsuit Fund delivers 16,000 snowsuits to infants and kids up to age 16. Cash donations go furthest, due to purchasing contracts The Snowsuit Fund has with vendors. Donate online, or consider volunteering at their depot, distributing snowsuits.

#10 More holiday hampers, this time organized by the Communications Centre. For 24 years now, OPS members have been delivering gifts and Christmas dinner on December 23 to needy families identified by officers. Your donation to the Caring and Sharing Exchange will ensure other families receive some Christmas Cheer this season. Money is the easiest way to help out, to cater to food allergies and restrictions and purchase age and gender appropriate gifts for each family.

#11 The OPS Benevolent Fund helps members in their hour of need year-round. You can support all local emergency service personnel through the Ottawa First Responders Foundation.

#12 The last organization on our list doesn’t take money. Half of all Canadians are fit to donate blood, but only 1 in 60 gave blood last year. As Partners for Life, OPS pledges 100 pints of blood annually and this year, we exceeded our goal by 50%. Booking an appointment is easy at Blood.ca and donations are especially needed during the busy festive season.

Happy holidays everyone!