Christmas in Vancouver is full of lights and markets, but for many families in the region it’s also a hard time of year. The good news is that giving back is easy here, and a lot of it is built into events you might already be going to. Here’s how to help this season.
Toy Drives
Christmas Bureaus across the region collect new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children and teens in families who need help. Most ask for new, unwrapped items, and several ask for no stuffed animals. Gift cards and cash donations help too, especially for teens.
- Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau: the region’s largest Christmas toy program. It’s supported by events like Toy Mountain, the Christmas Wish Breakfast and the Big Elf Run in Stanley Park on December 12, which doubles as a toy drive.
- Burnaby Christmas Bureau: runs a Toy Room at Metropolis at Metrotown in December.
- Surrey, Richmond and Langley Christmas Bureaus and the Richmond Christmas Fund take drop-offs at their offices on weekdays.
- SHARE Toybank collects for families in the Tri-Cities.
- Toy Mountain: Bell Media’s radio stations hold a big drop-off day each December for the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. Last year it was at Guildford Town Centre.
Dates for 2026 drives are usually announced in November. Check each organization’s website for drop-off times.
Food Banks
Food banks are busiest over the holidays. Cash donations usually go furthest, because food banks can buy in bulk, but non-perishable food is always welcome. Some easy ways to give:
- Bring a food donation to the CPKC Holiday Train on December 19 and 20. Every stop collects for the local food bank.
- The Surrey Santa Parade of Lights and the Steveston Santa Claus Parade collect food too.
- Shop the Port Moody Christmas Craft Fair (December 5): every dollar goes to the Share Food Bank.
- Holiday Lights in Williams Park in Langley takes donations for the Aldergrove Food Bank.
Charity Christmas Events
Plenty of Christmas outings in Metro Vancouver support a cause:
- Noël Surrey with Bright Nights: part of every ticket supports the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
- Gingerbread Lane: donations support Make-A-Wish Canada.
- Lights of Hope: St. Paul’s Foundation’s final Burrard Street celebration night is November 12.
- Santa photos on Grouse Mountain: proceeds go to Family Services of the North Shore.
- The Singing Christmas Tree‘s free-will offering supports CityReach Care Society.
- The Ukrainian Christmas Fair supports Ukrainian relief.
Volunteering at Christmas
Volunteer spots over the holidays fill up early, so sign up in October or November if you can.
- Christmas Bureaus need volunteers to sort toys and help families choose gifts.
- Food banks need help sorting donations and at distribution sites.
- Shelters and meal programs, such as Union Gospel Mission, serve holiday meals and often need help or donations.
- The Salvation Army needs volunteers for its Christmas kettle campaign.
If the volunteer lists are full, a cash donation or a gift card is just as useful. And when you do your Christmas shopping, buying from local makers helps too: see our made-in-BC gift guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I donate toys in Vancouver for Christmas?
To the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau and your local city’s Christmas Bureau, at events like Toy Mountain and the Big Elf Run, or at mall toy drives such as the one at Metropolis at Metrotown.
What should I donate to a toy drive?
New, unwrapped toys and gifts. Gifts for teens and gift cards are often most needed. Many bureaus don’t accept stuffed animals.
Can I volunteer on Christmas Day?
Some shelters and meal programs need help on Christmas Day, but spots fill quickly. Contact them early.
Part of: Vancouver Christmas Guide 2026 › Free Christmas Things to Do in Vancouver
