After reading another headline or seeing a call for support on social media, many of us ask the same question: What can I actually do to help? The scale of gender-based violence can feel overwhelming, but individual actions, when multiplied across a city, create a powerful ripple of change.

You don't need a lot of money or a flexible schedule to make a difference. Here are 10 tangible ways for Toronto residents to support survivors and the frontline organizations that serve them—starting today.

Financial donations provide organizations with the flexibility to meet their most urgent needs, whether it's keeping the lights on at a shelter or funding a legal case.

1. Become a Monthly Donor to a Local Shelter A recurring donation of $10 or $25 a month provides shelters like Interval House or Ernestine's Women's Shelter with a stable, predictable source of income they can count on for operational costs. It's one of the most effective ways to give.

2. Fund a Survivor's Fight for Justice Legal fees are a massive barrier to safety and independence. A donation to the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic directly supports free legal representation for survivors in family, immigration, and criminal court.

3. Support Culturally-Specific Services Survivors deserve care that understands their unique experiences. Consider donating to an organization providing specialized support, such as Anduhyaun Inc. (for Indigenous women and children) or The 519 (for 2SLGBTQ+ communities).

4. Check Shelter Wish Lists for New Items For reasons of dignity, health, and safety, most shelters can only accept new, unused items. Before you buy, check the organization's website for their current "wish list." Common needs include:

• Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste)

• New pyjamas, socks, and underwear for women and children

• Diapers, wipes, and formula

• Gift cards for grocery stores, pharmacies, or the TTC

5. Donate Professional Clothing for a New Start Organizations like Dress for Success Toronto and Dress Your Best Toronto empower people with professional attire and confidence for job interviews, a critical step towards economic independence. Check their donation guidelines for gently-used office wear.

6. Become a Crisis Line Volunteer This is a high-commitment, high-impact role. The Assaulted Women's Helpline and the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre provide extensive training for volunteers who answer crisis calls, offering a compassionate ear and life-saving information.

7. Offer Your Professional Skills Pro Bono Are you a graphic designer, accountant, photographer, or yoga instructor? Many smaller non-profits need specialized help but can't afford it. Contact the volunteer coordinator at an organization you admire and offer your skills.

8. Help Out at Fundraising Events From community runs to annual galas, fundraising events are the lifeblood of many non-profits. These events always need volunteers for registration, setup, and guest services. It's a fun, lower-commitment way to get involved.

9. Do the "Behind-the-Scenes" Work Not all volunteer roles are public-facing. Shelters and community agencies often need help in the office with administrative tasks, sorting donations in their storage rooms, or even tending to a community garden. This work is just as vital.

10. Become an Ally and Amplify Their Message This costs nothing but your attention and your voice.

• Follow organizations like WomanACT (Woman Abuse Council of Toronto) and your local shelters on social media.

• Share their posts, sign their petitions, and promote their events.

• Attend rallies like Take Back the Night to show your solidarity.

• Educate yourself on the root causes of gender-based violence and challenge victim-blaming comments when you hear them from friends or family.

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There is a role for everyone in the movement to end violence. Pick one thing from this list that resonates with you and take action this week. Your support, in whatever form it takes, helps build a safer Toronto for all.

You can donate new, unused items directly to local shelters. It's best to check the "Wish List" on the websites of shelters like Interval House or Ernestine's Women's Shelter to see what they need most, which often includes toiletries, diapers, and pyjamas. For professional clothing, you can donate gently-used office wear to organizations like Dress for Success Toronto to help survivors prepare for job interviews.

A critical way to volunteer is by becoming a crisis line volunteer for organizations like the Assaulted Women's Helpline or the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre. This requires extensive training but allows you to provide immediate, direct support. You can also volunteer for "behind-the-scenes" work at shelters, such as sorting donations or helping with administrative tasks.

Financial donations are vital for the stability of support services. You can:

• Become a monthly donor: This provides a predictable income for shelters to cover operational costs.
• Fund legal support: Donate to the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic to help survivors access free legal representation.
• Support culturally-specific services: Give to organizations like Anduhyaun Inc. (for Indigenous women) or The 519 (for 2SLGBTQ+ communities) to ensure all survivors have access to relevant care.

Yes, offering your professional skills pro bono is an extremely valuable way to contribute. Non-profits often lack the budget for specialized services. If you have expertise in areas like graphic design, accounting, web development, or marketing, you can reach out to local shelters and agencies to offer your support.

Absolutely. You can provide support by helping out at one-time fundraising events, such as community runs or galas. Another powerful way to contribute is to simply become an ally. You can follow organizations like WomanACT on social media, amplify their message by sharing their content, sign petitions, attend rallies like Take Back the Night, and educate yourself and others on the issues surrounding gender-based violence.

Donating new items is preferred for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures the health and safety of residents, which is a primary concern for shelters. Secondly, receiving something new can provide a sense of dignity and care to a survivor who has had to leave everything behind. For these reasons, most shelters can only accept new, unopened items.