At ELAM, we believe in the power of giving back, especially during the holiday season. For the past four years, we’ve been celebrating the 12 Days of Giving, a tradition that allows us to show our gratitude to both our clients and the community by supporting a variety of meaningful causes. This initiative is not just about making donations; it’s about fostering a sense of purpose, compassion, and social responsibility—values that we have held dear at ELAM since the beginning. From offering language training at our expense to organizations such as the Woman’s YMCA in 2001 to running for the Fondation Québécoise du cancer in 2024! 

The 12 Days of Giving is a heartwarming campaign that kicks off on December 2nd, and each year, we select 12 different charities to support. These organizations span a wide range of causes, including local charities, education, the environment, health, animal rights, and much more. Our goal is to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most, both locally here in Montreal and across the globe. 

What makes this initiative truly special is that we invite both our employees and our clients to be a part of it. Each year, we ask six ELAM employees and six of our clients to nominate a charity that is close to their hearts. This collaborative process helps us ensure that the charities we support reflect the diverse causes that resonate with the people we work with. After all, every charity we contribute to holds significant meaning for someone, whether due to personal experience or a deep-seated passion for a particular cause. 

Over the course of the 12 Days of Giving, we reveal one charity per day that will receive a donation from ELAM. We then ask our followers to donate what they can by providing the link to the charities. The charities we’ve supported in previous years reflect the wide array of issues that need attention. Here are just a few examples of the incredible organizations we’ve partnered with over the years: 

1. World Vision – With over 70 years of experience, World Vision works to create lasting change for children through emergency relief, transformational development, and justice. Their mission to help children in need globally resonates deeply with our team.   
2. Plastic Oceans International – Aimed at ending plastic pollution, this US-based non-profit focuses on education, activism, and science to foster sustainable communities worldwide.   
3. Refuge RR – This organization rescues animals in need, offering rehabilitation and care for those who have suffered severe abuse. For those animals who cannot be rehomed, they provide lifelong sanctuary.   
4. Chez Doris – This Montreal-based shelter supports vulnerable women by providing essential services, including clothing, medical care, and housing. They serve over 1,500 women annually, empowering them to regain control of their lives.   
5. United Way Canada – Focused on improving lives by helping people move from poverty to possibility, United Way supports children, families, and entire communities across the country. 
6. Rescue Dogs Lebanon-CANADA – This organization works tirelessly to rescue abandoned animals from Lebanon, finding them loving homes in Canada.   
7.  Auberge Transition – Supporting women who have experienced spousal abuse, Auberge Transition provides shelter, counselling, and resources to help break the cycle of violence.   
8. Charles-LeMoyne Hospital Foundation – With a focus on advancing healthcare in the region, this foundation supports cutting-edge treatments and patient services.   
9. Food Banks of Quebec – This critical network supports over 870,000 individuals monthly, ensuring that no one goes hungry in the province.   
10. Dans la rue – Helping at-risk youth in Montreal, this organization provides vital services to help young people transition to independent living.   
11. Montreal SPCA – An advocate for animal welfare, the Montreal SPCA fights against cruelty and neglect while promoting the humane treatment of animals.   
12. Sablon Foundation – Empowering children from underprivileged backgrounds through sports and outdoor activities, the Sablon Foundation helps kids build confidence and reach their full potential. 

 Each of these organizations plays a pivotal role in addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues, and we are honored to support them. Our 12 Days of Giving is a small way for ELAM to make a big impact, and we are so grateful to our employees and clients for their involvement in choosing these charities. Their personal connections to these causes make the campaign even more meaningful. 

As the year comes to a close, we look forward to continuing this tradition and spreading kindness, one charity at a time. From all of us at ELAM, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year filled with love and giving!