‘Tis the season of giving and there’s no better way to celebrate the true meaning of the season than to support the charities that make this world a better place. Today marks the 8th annual Giving Tuesday. It’s a global generosity movement that encourages everyone to take a break from buying things and instead help others through the gift of our time, donations, goods or our voices. No act of giving is too small to make an impact!

My mom always told me to leave a place in better condition than I found it, and to be kind to others—values that are reflected in the charity organizations that are closest to my heart. It’s important to nurture nature and our communities. Not just for ourselves, but for future generations. With that in mind, I wanted to share five charities I’m supporting this Giving Tuesday in hopes that they will inspire you. How are you giving back today? Please share in the comments below!

Mother nature has given me so much. I love any organization that helps me give a little back to her. From city parks to rural forests, the Sierra Club has been defending everyone’s right to a healthy world since 1892. They are champions for conservation and solutions to the climate crisis. They work tirelessly to promote policies that keep our air and water safe. And help create opportunities for everyone to experience the transformative powers of the outdoors.

This amazing org motivated me to run my first marathon. I love that they are empowering young women through sports. Their programs help to provide all the basic fees and equipment needed. This enables girls from low-income situations to participate in physical activities that help improve their health, education and overall wellbeing.

I’m a huge fan of marine biologist and photographer Paul Nicklen. His evocative images perfectly capture the beauty and fragility of our ecosystem. After witnessing the effects of the climate crisis through his work, he co-founded this organization to educate and inspire people to build a healthy future for our oceans.

Their mission: To transform the world one random act of kindness at a time. This can be anything from from buying a stranger a cup of coffee to building schools in Central America. Today our family is donating to Random Acts to support the Vancouver Food Bank. Make your own donation through the Random Acts Facebook page and Facebook will match the first $7 million in donations today!

Friends of the Earth is an environmental campaigning community committed to the wellbeing and protection of the natural world and everyone in it. Their programs are dedicated to changing economic policies that fuel environmental destruction. They also work to keep toxins out of the foods we eat and the products we use, as well as protecting marine ecosystems and the people who live and work near them.

LGBTQ+ youth are at an increased risk of being bullied, which is why it’s so important to build safe spaces for ALL youth to fearlessly be themselves. OutYouth is one of those special places. Their programs and services help youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities feel loved, acknowledged and accepted for exactly who they are.