Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we have to be grateful for. And the truth is, we likely have a pretty long list of things. This year, we encourage you to use this gratitude as inspiration to give back to your community. We’ve rounded up a few local charities located in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert that you can support to give back to your community this Thanksgiving.

Regina Community Fridges

The community fridges across Regina have become a well-known initiative as the board members of each fridge and the community work together to ensure they are fully stocked and cared for. The items in the fridges are available to anyone in the community who is in need of food. There are currently four fridges operating in the city: the North Central Community Fridge (3037 Dewdney Avenue), Cathedral Community Fridge (2104 Garnet Street), the Heritage Community Fridge (1510 12th Avenue) and the URSU Cares Community Fridge located on the second floor of the Riddell Centre at the University of Regina. There are a few ways you can help this initiative – you can drop off donations at any fridge directly, donate to the North Central Community Fridge's GoFundMe page, donate to the Cathedral Community Fridge’s GoFundMe page or volunteer to clean and sanitize the fridges. Click here to sign up to help clean the North Central fridge, here for the Cathedral fridge and here for the Heritage fridge.

Regina Humane Society

Seasons come and go but one thing remains the same – homeless animals are still looking for their forever homes. There are many ways you can help the Regina Humane Society and the animals there – you can spend consistent quality time with the animals through their Caring Hands program, provide a temporary home for animals in need by fostering, assist in taking photos of the pets to use on social media, the list goes on and on. For a full description of all you can do for the animals at RHS, visit their website.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan

Navigating through a journey of medical treatment with seriously ill children can put a terrible strain on a family both emotionally and financially. The Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan, located in Saskatoon, provides accommodation and support for families with sick children who are receiving medical treatment in a local hospital. The RMHC-SK provides an inviting home-like atmosphere filled with families in similar situations for a nominal fee. To help make a house a home for these families, you can donate things like phone chargers, toiletries, groceries, etc. Or you can volunteer your time doing things such as preparing meals, reading stories, and caring for the children. Visit their website to learn more about donation and volunteer opportunities at RMHC-SK.

Saskatoon Open Door Society

It can be challenging for newcomers to adjust to their new life when they first come to Canada. Saskatoon Open Door Society helps immigrants and refugees feel welcome, get connected, and develop a sense of belonging in their new home. They offer services that help newcomers find employment, learn English, find schooling for their children, and much more. Citizens are able to donate proceeds to the organization and volunteer their time helping newcomers feel at home in Canada.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert

Many young people find themselves in vulnerable situations where they face adversities such as mental health issues, family violence, identity issues, and poor living conditions. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert use their mentors to help guide and support these young people so they can gain the confidence to achieve more in their lives. There are two ways you can help this organization – donating and volunteering. As a volunteer, you could be the Big Brother or Big Sister to a young person for a couple hours a week. Visit their website to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Prince Albert. There are also other Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across our province, click here to see if there’s one if your city.

Here at SaskTel, we’re dedicated to making Saskatchewan better by supporting non-profit organizations and investing in initiatives that positively impact our province. On behalf of SaskTel Cares, we hope that you consider giving back to your community this Thanksgiving, in any way you can.