Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/162483
community Giving: Gifts That Make a Difference W 16 BC SPCA COURTESY BIGSTOCK Canuck Place offers care to children and teens with life-threatening illnesses and their families throughout B.C. If you wish to make a donation rather than offer wedding favours, Canuck Place will provide note cards to inform guests of your donation in their honour. You can also create a Precious Page online to accept donations in lieu of gifts. canuckplace.org or 604-646-0518. Based in Vancouver, the Beauty Night Society works to better the lives of women and youth living in poverty through wellness programs, life skills development and personal makeovers. In lieu of accepting wedding gifts, you can create an online giving page where donations can go toward the society's good works. beautynight.org or 778-885-4526. Canadian Feed the Children works in Canada and around the world to enhance the well-being of children and the self-sufficiency of their families and communities. Through their Best Gift Ever Catalogue, you can make a donation towards items that make a lasting difference, whether you choose a gift of livestock, schoolbooks or water wells. canadianfeedthechildren.ca or toll-free 1-800-387-1221. CHILDREN'S WISH FOUNDATION BC CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION Through its Wedding Recognition Series, BC Children's Hospital Foundation provides plate cards, certificates and donation request cards to let your guests know of your decision to support the health of B.C. kids through your wedding day. bcchf.ca/donate or toll-free 1-888-663-3033 or 604-875-2444. CANUCK PLACE CHILDREN'S HOSPICE The BC SPCA's Biscuit Fund for Medical Care provides veterinary care for homeless and wild animals in need. Through its website, you can set up an online donation page to make it easy for guests to contribute to the program instead of purchasing gifts. bcspca.ca/biscuit or toll-free 1-800-665-1868 or 604-681-7271. hy not take a cue from Prince William and Kate Middleton? Before their wedding last spring, the royal couple wowed the world when they thoughtfully requested donations to their chosen charities in lieu of gifts. While not every couple is in a position to make as grand a gesture, even small donations can be significant to an organization in need. If you're searching for a meaningful wedding favour, consider sponsoring a charity with a donation on behalf of your guests. Here you'll find a few suggestions for worthwhile organizations that make it simple for you to make a lasting difference in the community, as you celebrate your special day. The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada works to make dreams come true for children facing a life-threatening illness. Through the organization's Wedding Wishes program, you can choose to donate funds in lieu of favours and receive elegant customized cards for each place setting, or ask your guests to donate instead of purchasing gifts. childrenswish.ca or 1-800-267-9474. R EA L WEDDINGS p12-21_MastheadContributors Community Engagements.indd 16 4/24/12 2:46:06 PM