From the golden-orange leaves to the atmosphere of gratitude, Thanksgiving in Canada is a beautiful time of year.
As with most holidays, food is the focal point: heaping spreads of turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, pumpkin pie.
With time, traditions can change, especially alongside the economic framework we live within.
Thanksgiving has become more expensive than ever for families to afford.
A new report by the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University shows how food prices have jumped over the years.
Its annual Thanksgiving Meal Report found that a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner could cost up to 10% more this year compared to 2025 (CTV News).
This means that many families simply won’t be able to pull it off.
However, we can help make this weekend a wonderful experience for everyone with the following charitable initiatives.
Salvation Army
Your donation doubles this weekend at the Salvation Army. Every $1 donated equals $2 until Monday, October 12th. The Salvation Army is matching donations to help provide twice the Thanksgiving meals and provide struggling families with essential care.
Click here for more information and to donate today.
Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada works with 5,500+ food banks and community organizations to relieve
hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow.
This Thanksgiving, Desjardins is supporting Food Banks Canada in matching donations made until October 12th.
To learn more and donate, click here.
Basket Brigade Canada
Basket Brigade Canada provides baskets of donated items to those in need. They serve seniors, parents, workers, and neighbours who are doing their best, yet are quietly struggling, and often unseen.
Volunteers help put together and deliver donated baskets to recipient’s door steps, creating a sense of dignity and warmth.
You can help out by providing donations and/or joining as a volunteer.
Giving Thanks
Gratitude is often mistaken for an isolated, inner self-help practice. However, that’s not entirely how it works.
At the core, gratitude is communal. It is an emotion directly attached to interpersonal experiences, relationships and shared support. It comes from making others feel seen and heard.
In the spirit of gratitude, let’s spread kindness and generosity this Thanksgiving.
