On Day 15, we renew an essential part of Advent for end-of-year finances. We open the box. Inside, we find a kettle.
The Kettle is a sign of the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal and in general, symbolizes Charity. Charity is essential every day of the year. At Christmas, some people think overspending is the norm. Remember, some folks are not as lucky as us. Maybe you need to think about them too.
Charity is a cornerstone of Advent and of living a good life.
On the finance side, your charitable donations are deductible for the current tax year up to December 31st. So keep that in mind, too. Make sure you choose a charity recognized by the CRA if you will give to get the deduction.
Here is a list of a few interesting charities in Ottawa you can help out with a donation:
- FAMSAC which is associated with my Church, but helps out in, “… Bayshore, Bells Corners, Crystal Beach, Craig Henry, Manordale, and Trend Village…” .
- Chez Doris is a woman’s shelter in Montreal that my late Father worked with after he retired.
- The Shepherds of Good Hope is a shelter that was across the street from my first office when I moved to Ottawa.
- Belong Ottawa and Center 454 of Ottawa is a women’s shelter in Ottawa.
- Dreams Take Flight Ottawa help disabled and underprivileged children get a dream of a lifetime one-day trip to Disneyworld.
Personal Finance Advent Calendar
- Advent it Begins Again!
- Day 1: Running Shoes
- Day 2: TFSA
- Day 3: A Safety Deposit Box
- Day 4: What is in your Safety Deposit Box?
- Day 5: Your Will in a box
- Day 6: A Credit Card Bill
- Day 7: A Pointing Finger (Points)
- Day 8: A Lamb
- Day 9: Your Child's Diploma
- Day 10: A Cane
- Day 11: A Home Inventory List
- Day 12: A Bank Passbook
- Day 13 (new) A Puzzle Piece or Day 13: A Pair of Tiny Shoes (budgeting)
- Day 14: A Stock Certificate for ACME Buggy Whips
- Day 15: A Kettle (Charity)
- Day 16: A Coffin
- Day 17: A Scroll of Household Fix Ups
- Day 18: A QR Code -or- Day 18: A Wii Fit
- Day 19: A Library Card
- Day 20: A House Plan
- Day 21: A Feather
- Day 22: DVD of the Shawshank Redemption
- Day 23: A Tuning Fork
- Day 24: A Happy Face
- Day 25: Merry Christmas
