This year on Monday, October 11 – 2021, Canadians will be celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Outside of Canada it is sometimes called Canadian Thanksgiving, held on the second Monday in October, to distinguish it from Thanksgiving in the United States, held on a different date.
Originally created to rejoice about the harvest and other blessings from the previous year, today it’s mostly celebrated by spending time with family and friends, feasting and being thankful for one’s many blessings.
It is a time of the year to acknowledge gratitude and show appreciation not only for our own personal blessings but also for others which leads to compassion, our new favorite word!
For the second year in a row, we are continuing to face adversity within the pandemic’s social distancing guidelines and public health restrictions in a time that is mostly highlighted by family gatherings or get together with friends over diner. We must remember the individuals who remain affected and are isolated from their loved ones because of the circumstances. We are especially encouraged by the work that many black organizations are doing during this time to support their community, like “Shelley Cares Foundation” who is holding an event to distribute 200 turkeys to low-income families, seniors, and other vulnerable residents in Toronto, Canada. See details here: https://www.shelleycaresfoundation.com/turkey-giveaway.
Here are other fun ways to express gratitude, show appreciation or give thanks on Thanksgiving this year:
1 – Volunteer to help someone less fortunate
Giving is receiving, and volunteering your time is a wonderful way to reap the benefits.
Consider volunteering for the many organizations listed on our online directory. Click here to find an organization.
2 – Reach out or extend invitation to someone who needs the company
Being alone is particularly difficult on holidays. Consider reaching out to someone for a welcomed conversation or the much-needed company of a friend. It’s a small gesture that can really mean a world of difference to an isolated person.
3 – Make an extra meal to share
Some families or individuals may not have the extra financial resources to plan a diner. This year, while planning your own family’s Thanksgiving feast, make extra servings to share with a family who may not be able to provide one for themselves.
4 – Make a donation – Financial or In-kind
Sharing is caring, and donations are an excellent way to achieve this. It’s not just about money, donating gently used home goods or clothes are just as important as cash donations. Consider supporting by making a donation to Support Black Charities (click here) or one of the many organizations listed on our online directory that are actively serving your community. Click here to find an organization.
5 – Visit a nursing home or hospital (depending on social distancing guidelines in your local areas)
Patients often face holidays alone in nursing homes or hospitals. Consider spending an hour or two to share a moment, a smile, kind words or a meaningful conversation with patients, it could really make their day!
6 – Share what you’re thankful for with family and friends
Make time during the day or during festivities with family and friends to express what matters to you or what you’re most thankful for this year. Foster the attitude of gratitude by allowing everyone to share with one another. You’ll be surprised at how acknowledging appreciation generates warm and fuzzy feelings all around!
We hope that for the 2nd year of the pandemic and onward, we continue to take the time to support each other and celebrate the many blessings that we have. Please consider supporting a black organization as a way to give back or express compassion for your community.
From Canada, Happy Thanksgiving!