A December guide for the beautifully well-intentioned, with just the right amount of fabulous.
December on Vancouver Island is a special time. The rain falls sideways, ferries are full of stressed-out souls, and at least one person insists their dog loves wearing that holiday sweater.
And then comes that familiar nudge: “Maybe I should do something nice.”
But traditional charity? Sometimes it feels overwhelming, over-structured, or just… a lot. You want to give back, but you also want to stay upright, hydrated, and not emotionally drained by mid-month.
So here it is: your unofficial guide to giving back, Island style, meaning small, heartfelt, slightly quirky acts of kindness that don’t require spreadsheets, sainthood, or matching ugly holiday sweaters.
Return your neighbour’s recycling bins like a silent superhero
Roll the bins up the driveway and walk away. No announcement. No humblebrag. Just stealth kindness.
Drop off cookies at the volunteer fire hall or favourite unsung heros
Do not underestimate how far a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies goes in this world. Especially for people who peel themselves out of bed at 3 a.m. to help strangers. You bring cookies, they feel appreciated, the world tilts slightly toward good.
Accept someone’s kale harvest (really, it can be very tasty)
It’s the Island. Someone grew too much kale. Take some. Say thank you.
This is not charity. It’s agricultural diplomacy.
Start a kindness coffee (or tea!) chain
Pick up some local coffee or tea from Cow-op—Island-roasted, perfectly sippable and leave it for your next door neighbour, teacher, collegue… Leave a note that says something wholesome like: “Life is chaotic. You’re doing amazing.”
Boom. Instant mood lift for someone you may never meet.
Create a tiny pantry with ground rules
Set it up at the end of your driveway with a sign:
Take what you need. Leave what you can.
No raccoons. Seriously. No.
People will use it more than you expect.
Actually check in on someone
One text. One call. One “Hey, haven’t talked in a bit—how’s your heart?”
It’s small. It’s real. It matters.
Give patience, attention, humour
Island kindness doesn’t have to be grand.
No cape required. No perfection needed.
Just be… human. Preferably a human with dry socks and a sense of humour.
This Island is rich in beauty, nature, creativity, and community and Abundance isn’t evenly shared.
Small, quiet acts—like returning bins, dropping off cookies, or sharing kale actually move the world toward better.
It’s not about being a hero…It’s about nudging the world toward good, one weird little act at a time.
Bonus Island Kindness: Cow-op’s Gift Certificates
Here’s a simple one that’s practical, can be delicious and feels very Island:
Purchase a gift certificate so someone can choose what they want or need.
No fanfare. No fuss. Just Island-style kindness that warms hearts—and hands—this December.
By: Shauna Collister
Always check and confirm food safety practices, cooking temperatures, and storage guidelines with your local health authority or use tested recipes to ensure meals are safe and delicious.
Cow-op.ca Your Online Farmers’ Market Delivered to your door within the Cowichan Valley.
Five (5) Pick up Locations including one in Victoria:
Lake Cowichan- Mensch Kitchen & Catering
North Cowichan – Whiffle & Hum Farm
Duncan– Providence Farm
Cobble Hill – Lockwood Farms
Victoria – Zero Waste Emporium
Cow-op.ca is an initiative of the Cowichan Valley Co-operative Marketplace (CVCM) in partnership with Cowichan Green Community. Incorporated in November of 2014, the CVCM is a not-for-profit co-operative guided by a board of members made up of local farmers, food processors and community partners. Funding for the part of development of the website and business plan was generously provided by Coastal Community Credit Union, Cowichan Green Community and Economic Development Cowichan.
Funding support provided, in part, by the BC Government’s Buy BC Partnership Program; delivered by MNP LLP with funding from the Government of British Columbia.