non-religious charities?

[cjottawa]

Are there any charities in Ottawa, without religious affiliation, that accept grocery donations and issue charitable donation receipts?

[Brandy Hunter]

Have you looked into the food bank?
or maybe go to your local community center and ask about it. I know my moms friend found a family through that, that needed help. So she went grocery shopping and they gave her the familys address, and she brought some to them.
Even donations to schools, if a family is in need the parents sometimes talk to the administration, so maybe you can find some people that way

[cjottawa]

Thanks Bella. Yes, the food bank is definitely on the hit list.

One thing I've been amazed at is how ambivalent some of the staff we've spoken to have been.

When asking, "what type of donations are accepted?" they give smarmy answers like "food."
"How about toiletries, soap and so forth?"
"Are those food? No, they're not."

Based on staff attitude, it would be easy to assume all these charities are rolling in donations. *shrug*

We found a women's shelter that seems more receptive.

[Brandy Hunter]

My mom used to help a lady, by bringing her to the shelter, helping her get food then bringing her and her stuff home, and it's horrendous how little they give people. There will be a full stock, and 12 people wanting help, and they'll limit people like crazy, even though they have so much available.

[Brandy Hunter]

I know you said no religious, but the Mission accepts people requiring help no matter their religion. A lady I know volunteers there and she said to see the great meals people put out with such little supplies is amazing. Look into it, yes it's based on religion, but they don't leave anyone out. (and they accept toiletries ) this is mainly men only.

Have you tried 'breakfast clubs' at schools, for food ?

[cjottawa]

My problem with the religious charities is the proselytizing. I have friends who have worked at either the Mission or Shepherds of Good Hope and they made the point that anyone wanting a meal had to listen to a sermon. I am not OK with that.

I like your idea of school breakfast clubs but they're not registered charities so they can't issue tax receipts.

[Brandy Hunter]

I wrote in another thread - why not make gift baskets out of the toilet tires and bring them to old age homes ?

[Brandy Hunter]

LOL, toilette tires ! I meant toiletries

[cjottawa]

I wrote in another thread - why not make gift baskets out of the toilet tires and bring them to old age homes ?

That is an excellent idea! Gift baskets always seem to go over well, especially "theme" baskets.