This page is a work in progress, because community needs and community efforts change over time. But, here are the organizations that you can support with your purchases.
Remember: the donations we make are unrestricted, meaning that the organizations can direct them as they see fit. We trust that these community organizers know best what the areas of greatest need are in the work that they do. These organizations (unless otherwise indicated) do not have charitable registration w/ CRA — this means that they cannot issue income tax-deductible donation receipts, and that there is little-to-no grant funding available to them. We support them because there is work to be done, and that work costs money.
Cash-in-a-hand
If you choose this option, we will simply hand the donation amount from your purchase to someone in town who needs it. This is likely to be someone who is unhoused or marginally housed; but, it might also be a queer or trans youth who would like to buy a binder, or some clothing better suited to them; it might be someone in line at a local coffee joint who realizes that they left their wallet at home. The point is, we will put the cash out in to the world where it is needed. (Note: while the date and approximate location of the disbursement of this type of donation will be noted for accountability, we will never photograph or ask for proof of receipt of shared cash from any individual.)
Determination Martial Arts’ community fund (or, on Instagram)
DMA offers amazing, accessible martial arts and fitness classes, and they’re super-committed to financial accessibility, too. DMA maintains a community fund to defray the cost of classes for folks who need financial assistance to attend, and for a variety of other community purposes.
Keeping Six – Hamilton Harm Reduction Action League is a community-based organization that defends the rights, dignity, and humanity of people who use drugs. It was formed in response to the ravages of the opioid crisis, and out of recognition of the need for an organized voice for PWUD at the many stakeholder tables attempting to manage and overcome the drug epidemic in the city of Hamilton. K6 has partnered with HamSMaRT, to work to protect folks living in encampments throughout from forcible relocation by the city of Hamilton. Their outreach and practical support efforts are helping make the city a bit safer for unhoused folks.
Named in memory of Kyle Scanlon, Kyle’s place is a trans- and non-binary-prioritized space that is home to TransParent Hamilton-Niagara; the TransForm co-operative’s pop-up shop; and the Brody Brown Name Change Fund among other things.
Even without a sanctuary site of their own, Ladybird has rescued over 1,100 animals since 2011 through volunteers and foster families. Ladybird rescues cats, dogs and small animals and is a champion for seniors, those with costly medical issues, and so-called ‘hard to adopt’ animals. They *are* a registered charity, but we’ve included them in our list because they rescue a range of animals, and are often in need of funds to support veterinary care for fosters with complex medical needs. Many rescues relying on volunteers and fosters have been unable to function during covid restrictions, but Ladybird has been able to make it work, and so the need is ongoing.
March For Black Lives (or, on Instagram)
March for Black Lives is a non-for profit, grassroots organization whose goal is to rebuild the black community through policy reform and educating the public both online and at in-person marches and teach-ins.
Six Nations Land Defense legal fund
Send your donation here to support Indigenous land claims, and in particular the peaceful protection of disputed land around the Grand River by Haudenosaunee land defenders. There are many terrific opportunities for settler education, including the link above.
speqtrum is a youth-founded, youth-run, and youth-focused skill-sharing and community building program for queer and trans young people in Hamilton, ON. Their aim is to build community among queer, trans, and two spirit youth, ages 17-29, by offering monthly active and social sessions, along with skill-sharing workshops led by members of the community. speqtrum also welcomes collaboration on events from elders and peers outside of their target age range. (Note: speqtrum is not a registered charity, but is mentored by and receives receipted donations via YWCA Hamilton.)
Got a suggestion?
Is there a project/organization that you know of that fosters greater inclusion and acceptance of diverse folks in our community? Feel free to contact us to suggest them!