Ways to Give

Ways to Give

Every form of giving plays a role in keeping this work steady and available year-round. Explore the options below to support Ray of Hope in a way that feels right to you.

Giving Options

Your generosity helps that light shine through Ray of Hope, bringing belonging, renewal, and strength to people rebuilding their lives. Every gift provides essential services and programs to those in our community who need them most.

Fundraising & Donor Policies

Give online through our donation form below.

Donate Now

E-transfers can be sent to info@rayofhope.net.

If you’re donating for the first time or if your address has changed, be sure to contact us with your full mailing address so we can send you your tax receipt in February.

Cheques can be mailed to or dropped off at:

Ray of Hope
659 King St. East, Suite 230
Kitchener, ON
N2G 2M4

Call us at 519-578-9018 ext. 0 to make a donation over the phone.

If you would like to donate stocks or securities to Ray of Hope, please follow the instructions at the link below:

Share/Securities Transfer Form

There are a few ways to sign up as a monthly donor:

  • Online: Through our donation form by selecting the monthly tab
  • By phone: Call us at 519-578-8018 ext. 0 and we can get you signed up
  • By mail: Send us a void cheque and let us know what day of the month and how much you’d like us to deduct. The funds will be deducted from your bank account via pre-authorized deposit.

    Ray of Hope
    659 King St. East, Suite 230
    Kitchener, ON
    N2G 2M4

Contact us at any time if you would like to change your monthly donation.

A gift in your will, or by naming Ray of Hope as a beneficiary of your life insurance or registered assets, supports the work long term and can offer tax benefits.

Food & Clothing Donations

You can help ease food insecurity and everyday challenges for people in our community. Below are our most needed items:

Shelf Stable Food
  • Pasta and pasta sauce
  • Canned meat, pasta, and stews
  • Canned fruit and vegetables
  • Boxed milk
  • Cereal and oatmeal
  • School safe snacks
Hygiene & Household
  • Deodorant
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothpaste
  • Feminine hygiene products
Clothing
  • New socks and underwear
  • Gently used:
  • Winter coats
  • Boots and shoes
  • Cozy wear (sweaters, sweatshirts, warm joggers)
  • Business casual wear for our Employment Program
Baby Care
  • Diapers
  • Formula
  • Baby food

Legacy Giving

Legacy giving is a way of expressing your lasting support for Ray of Hope, a local charity that helps people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and addiction in Kitchener. By leaving a gift for Ray of Hope in your will, you can create a legacy that will last beyond your lifetime and make a difference in the lives of your vulnerable neighbours. Your gift can be a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a residual amount after other bequests are made.

You can also designate Ray of Hope as a beneficiary of your life insurance, RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA. Legacy giving has many benefits for you and your loved ones, such as reducing taxes, preserving your assets, and fulfilling your philanthropic goals.

To learn more about legacy giving, please contact your financial planner or estate lawyer, or simply leave a note with your will.

Fundraising Ideas

These are just some examples of fundraising events for Ray of Hope. You can also come up with your own creative ideas that match your passion and purpose. Whatever you choose to do, remember that you are helping Ray of Hope provide essential services and programs to people who need them most.

Host a
Trivia Night

Invite your friends, family, or coworkers to join you for a night of trivia. You can use an online platform or create your own questions. Charge a small fee for each participant or team and donate the money to Ray of Hope. You can also offer prizes for the winners or have a 50/50 draw.

Organize a
Car Wash

Set up a car wash station at a convenient location and ask for donations from drivers who want their cars cleaned. You can also sell snacks and drinks to raise more funds. Don’t forget to make sure you have the necessary equipment and permissions before you start.

Plan a
Garage Sale

Gather some items that you no longer need and sell them at a garage sale. You can also ask your neighbours or friends to donate their unwanted goods. Price the items reasonably and advertise your sale online or with flyers. Donate the proceeds to Ray of Hope.

Workplace Fundraising

Workplace fundraising is a great way to support Ray of Hope. By organizing or participating in workplace fundraising activities, you can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable neighbours and demonstrate your company’s social responsibility. Here are some ideas for workplace fundraising for Ray of Hope:

Start a Coldest Night of the Year Team

Host a Casual Day or Dress-up Day

Organize a Bake Sale or Lunch Sale

Hold a Silent Auction or Raffle

The Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly walk that raises money for local charities serving people in need. You can register your team online and choose Kitchener – Ray of Hope as your location. Then, invite your coworkers, friends, and family to join your team or sponsor you.

Ask your coworkers to donate a small amount to wear a fun costume to work. You can choose a theme that matches your company culture or the season. For example, you can have a pyjama day, a superhero day, or a Halloween day. Collect the donations and send them to Ray of Hope.

If you have some culinary skills, you can bake some goodies or prepare some sandwiches and sell them at your workplace. You can also ask your coworkers to contribute their own baked goods or lunch items. Set a reasonable price for each item and donate the proceeds to Ray of Hope.

Gather some prizes from your company or local businesses and hold a silent auction or raffle at your workplace. You can sell tickets or bids to your coworkers and draw the winners at a specified time. You can also make it more fun by adding some mystery prizes or challenges. Donate the money raised to Ray of Hope.

Community Associations

Local Community Associations make a steady difference close to home. We are grateful for the Forest Heights Community Association, which has supported our work through clothing drives, direct gifts, and by joining the Coldest Night of the Year as a team!

If your Community Association wants to support neighbours who are struggling, we would be glad to partner with you. Clothing drives, simple fundraisers, and Coldest Night teams are all easy ways to help. Reach out if you would like to get involved.

Contact Us

Interested in Organizing a Fundraising Event?

Your effort can help sustain care and services across our organization. Our team is happy to support you as you get started.

Contact Us

Prayer

Prayer is an important part of how we care for our community and the work we do together. We believe prayer helps bring wisdom, strength, and hope to situations that can feel complex or heavy.

Pray For the Community Centre

For our guests to feel supported, encouraged, and safe.

For the staff to demonstrate love to everyone, treating all without prejudice or bias.

For staff wisdom and discernment in difficult situations.

For new monthly donors to help Ray of Hope meet the community’s needs.

Pray For Our Justice Programs

For wise government choices regarding new programs.

For peace and hope for youth as they work to transform their lives.

For our search for staff to find the right candidates.

Pray For Our Youth Support Services

For the staff, teachers, and therapists to share wisdom and encouragement.

For hope and a new direction forward for the youth.

For support, community, hope, and healing for families.

Pray For Our Employment Services

For program changes that meet the evolving needs of the economy.

For trainees to find meaningful ways to apply their new skills in their job placements.

For employers to open their doors and hearts to partnerships.