Give gift of nature this holiday season
What do you give to that person who has everything? How about the gift of nature?
Local conservation foundation encourages you to consider green gifts as alternative in 2024 during gift-giving season
Looking for alternative gift ideas this season? Consider ‘green gifts’ such as donation to trails, conservation education, tree planting or habitat – or, buy a green gift such as a conservation area family pass or bird-bat-butterfly box
Are you struggling to find gift ideas for your loved ones as the holiday season nears? A local charity asks you to consider ‘green’ gifts in 2024. A present doesn’t have to have wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons to be a gift, according to Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF).
Anyone purchasing a ‘gift to nature’ receives a gift certificate (your choice of paper or email) they can give to the present’s recipient. They could buy someone a certificate for a snowshoe rental, for instance, or a conservation area family pass. They could also buy a bird-bat-butterfly box either assembled or as a kit. They could buy a Conservation Dinner ticket.
They could also donate to a good cause on someone’s behalf. In the case of donations, the purchaser of the gift can receive a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes.
Donating to this registered Canadian charity before the end of the 2024 calendar year may provide benefits at tax time. Donations of more than $20 are eligible to receive a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes.
The purchaser of a present could buy a certificate for a donation, such as a donation to the Parkhill accessible trail project or another trail or conservation area. Someone could donate to tree planting, wetlands, or habitat for turtles. They could donate to conservation education or another local conservation program of their choice. They could donate to the South Huron Trail Mobile. Lots of programs can benefit from support.
Dave Frayne is ABCF Chair. He said giving certificates or donations is thinking ‘outside of the box.’
“If you are looking for something different to give as a present this year, consider the gift of nature, the gift of community,” he said. “We have green gift ideas to suit the person receiving the gift.”
Another benefit of ecological gifts, according to the Conservation Foundation, is there’s no need to use a lot of wrapping paper or tape when you give one of these presents. This reduces waste.
“People appreciate knowing the gift they receive is making a difference to their community,” he said.
To donate now, or to order one of these special ‘gifts of nature’ and ‘gifts to your community,’ you may email info@abca.ca or call 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610. You may also visit the Conservation Foundation web page to learn more.