During this time of focusing on loved ones, we also remember the need to reach out to the less fortunate. We asked some of our friends and contributors for a shout-out to the charity or special cause that means most to them:

The National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)
"I work in PR at an agency that represents the Dove Self-Esteem Fund, which supports NEDIC and the incredible work they do. Eating disorders are rampant and unfortunately debilitating diseases that I believe would be greatly reduced should there be a global understanding that looking like a supermodel actually isn’t the norm."
~ Megan

Lisa Coristine Brave Heart Foundation
"I run a charity called the Lisa Coristine Brave Heart Foundation. It was started 6 years ago by my sister Lisa before she passed away from cancer. Money raised goes towards targeted radiation therapy at the Princess Margaret Hospital. This is definitely one of the most incredible things I have ever been a part of."
~ Katie

Oxfam, Habitat For Humanity
Oxfam works directly with communities and seeks to influence the powerful to ensure that poor people can improve their lives and livelihoods and have a say in decisions that affect them (source: Oxfam).

Habitat seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. They have built over 350,000 homes for families in need around the globe (source: Habitat).
~ Jo

Ovarian Cancer Canada
Ovarian Cancer Canada is a national charity in Canada dedicated solely to overcoming Ovarian Cancer, the most serious of all gynecologic cancers (source: Ovarian Cancer Canada).
~ Heather

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
"MCC understands that, while international relief is so important, we cannot neglect those in our own neighbourhoods. Their project Giving Friendship supports refugee families new to Canada and the US with funds for clothes, school supplies, and household goods. Many of us now living in North America descend from refugees fleeing war or persecution, so this is a wonderful way to acknowledge that and give back."
~ Pam

Yonge Street Mission, World Vision
"I am a huge fan of the Mennonite Central Committee for their extensive AIDS relief efforts in Africa; the Yonge Street Mission, who help the homeless locally, and World Vision for the child sponsorship program. Alex and I support all of them. It's a major driving force for us wanting to be successful so we can help others in a big way. I hope one day we can do more than we are now."
~ Ali

St Jude Children's Research Hospital
"I have supported a variety of charities in the past, but lately felt a pull toward St Jude Children's Research Hospital. They are doing amazing work with childhood illnesses and ensure that no child is denied treatment because the parents cannot afford it."
~ Claire

Your friends at ChickAdvisor want to remind you that those in need are grateful for your support any time of the year. What is your favourite charity, and why is it important to you?