Holiday Giving: Save a Polar Bear, Please.

Last night I lit all the candles, simmered some peppermint essential oil and wrapped a few gifts for my little nephews. I do love the holiday ambiance that Christmas brings, just not the commercialization and stress that goes with it these days.

At the holidays, it’s important, for me, to give in a meaningful way. About five years ago, I started a new tradition of making a donation in the name of my family and close friends, instead of giving gifts to adult family and friends who already have everything they need — and spending my money where it is best used, through causes close to my heart.

I don’t accept gifts, either. I don’t need anything, and I don’t like money being wasted on material things I don’t want or need when that money could be going to a good cause. So I usually suggest that if friends or family want to give me a gift, they can donate to one of my preferred charities. That warms my heart far more than anything gift-wrapped — and hopefully, it makes them feel good to give in this way that helps others, too!

Last year at Christmas, I made donations to Tio Antonio Centro Social and Building New Hope (Casa Lupita). These are two very worthy foundations working hard in Nicaragua to help those in need. If you’re looking for a charity to donate to, check these out. I’ve seen with my own eyes the truly amazing work they do, with very little resources.

In previous years, I’ve donated to Heifer International and Friends Without Borders (Cambodia). This year, I’ll be donating to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an organization I have been passionate about for many, many years.

The dangers currently facing polar bears, especially due to climate change and man-made threats, is something I’m concerned about. Living in a northern Canadian region where polar bears are part of our natural wildlife, and being someone who cares about the planet and all of its creatures — both human or animal. So this year’s holiday donation was an easy choice.

I’m startled to learn that only 20-25,000 polar bears are left in the world. They are endangered and need our support and stewardship. More disturbingly is hearing about mighty polar bears drowning in desperate search for something to eat.

People I know who work in the Canadian Coast Guard tell me they often see huge polar bears (and even cubs) floating dead in the sea around our island, having drowned trying to swim incredibly long distances to the next piece of melting ice in search of food.

Polar bears are fighting to survive. And many are losing. They are drowning. Starving. Disappearing. To imagine this powerful, magnificent animal dying in such a way breaks my heart – especially mother bears with little polar bear cubs who rely on their mothers for at least 2 years.

Please take a minute to watch this short video about the polar bear’s plight:

Don’t you think it’s about time we humans started actually doing something more to help our planet? Christmas is as good a time as any to start — and to give. I just hope somebody reads this post and finds themselves moved enough to make a donation to this cause, or any other good cause that needs support.