With the holidays quickly approaching, it is common for us to become centered on spending money and time on the people we know and love. We’re going to ask you to switch that up, and to put some time into brightening a strangers day. Because not everyone has that family member or friend to go to during the holiday season.

This is a global event! To participate outside of Toronto continue here: http://giftsforstrangers.org/?page_id=17

And please check out the video from last years event: http://youtu.be/A5-GDm_gjug

The idea of the mission is as simple as the name. We ask you to either make gifts or buy affordable presents. Spend whatever you think is reasonable ($1 items are fine!), or just make the gifts yourself! The more important part, is thinking about what type of gift would make you smile, and bring that to life.

It could be something you create, like visual art, a poem, or a mix CD. Or a something you owned or purchased for relatively cheap, like a yo-yo, teddy bear, or a good book. Just remember, be creative, and make it personal! And please NO baked goods.

Wrap each present individually! Along with each gift, we ask you to write a personal card. Write a heart-felt message. Something honest and open. And make sure to include “From one stranger to another, Happy Holidays”.

Make as many gifts as you like. And keep track of what is in each one. So that you can hand it out to the right age/gender/type of person.

The details:

When: 3pm, December 17th, 2011.
Where: Meeting at Nathan Phillips Square, north side of the skating rink.
What happens: We’ll be going around the downtown core giving presents to anyone and everyone, especially those who look like they need it.
RSVP: Facebook Event