24 Ways We Support Communities Across Canada
I Help Canadians Programs: 24 Ways We Support Canadians
I Help Canadians is a registered Canadian charity based in Calgary, Alberta. We provide hot meals, care and community support to underserved Northern communities and to Canadians facing hardship across the country. Our work is organized into 24 Northern programs, each focused on a specific need, from food insecurity and housing to education, mental wellbeing and disaster relief.
This guide explains what each program does, who it supports, and how you can donate or volunteer.
Why we organize our charity work into programs
Canadian communities face different challenges, and one approach rarely fits all. Our programs let donors choose where their support goes, and they let communities see exactly what help is available. Every program uses the "Northern" name and a short acronym, such as Northern FOOD or Northern CARE, so each mission is easy to recognize.
Food, essentials and emergency support
Northern FOOD provides hot meals to Canadians facing food insecurity or homelessness. Meals are prepared in licensed commercial kitchens by trained volunteers, local chefs and certified food handlers, then shared in safe, welcoming spaces and public places.
Northern CARE delivers wellness kits with hygiene products, seasonal clothing and first aid supplies, along with on-the-ground support from healthcare workers and volunteers.
Northern ROAD sends mobile caravans with food, emergency supplies, medical kits and educational materials to remote and weather-challenged communities.
Northern RAID responds to natural and human-made disasters with relief, logistics and recovery support. Read more in our article on disaster relief in northern Canada.
Northern HOME promotes safe, stable and affordable housing through homelessness prevention, housing navigation, tenant support and emergency housing assistance.
Health, safety and wellbeing
Northern MAIT offers coordinated non-medical support and access to specialized treatment for Canadians facing long waits. See urgent medical access in northern Canada.
Northern MIND creates safe community spaces that reduce isolation and connect people with guidance. Learn more in our article on how Northern MIND builds belonging.
Northern WISE supports women, girls, caregivers and single parents through leadership development, mentoring, safety workshops and employment readiness.
Northern SAFE promotes personal and community safety through fraud prevention seminars, emergency preparedness workshops and online safety education.
Education and skills
Northern YNET connects youth to online tutoring, skills training and mentors. Its live classes run through IHC Academy.
Northern CODE builds digital literacy through computer training, AI education, cybersecurity awareness and coding workshops.
Northern HOPE supports newcomers, refugees and vulnerable families with mentoring, life skills workshops and employment guidance.
Northern NOVA backs innovation, pilot projects, research partnerships and youth innovation challenges that create positive social impact.
Culture, heritage and community
Northern WICI supports Indigenous-led programs, cultural preservation and youth development in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
Northern ROOT preserves Canada's heritage through storytelling, language revitalization, cultural events and oral history projects.
Northern ARTS supports music, theatre, visual arts and cultural festivals for youth, families and seniors.
Northern SOUL strengthens unity through verified faith-based and interfaith community outreach, volunteering and food distribution.
Northern VETS honours veterans, serving members and military families through appreciation events, mentorship and wellness activities.
Environment, rural communities and animals
Northern LEAF encourages environmental stewardship through tree planting, community cleanups and community gardens.
Northern BLUE protects Canada's water resources through river and lake cleanups, watershed restoration and drinking water education.
Northern FARM supports sustainable agriculture, community gardens and rural food security.
Northern PAWS helps companion animals and the families caring for them through pet food drives, shelter partnerships and veterinary assistance.
Stories and partnerships
Northern RISE shares the real stories of people moving out of homelessness and crisis through documentaries and community screenings.
Northern GIVE supports verified nonprofits, schools, municipalities and community groups delivering measurable public benefit.
How to support I Help Canadians
- Donate to the program that matters most to you. Our interactive globe shows where support goes.
- Volunteer or work with us in the kitchen, at events or in other roles.
- Learn about tax receipts for charitable donations in Canada.
- Partner with us as a sponsor or retailer.
Frequently asked questions
Is I Help Canadians a registered charity? Yes, we are a registered Canadian charity. Our registration number is [CRA NUMBER].
Where is I Help Canadians based? Our headquarters are in Calgary, Alberta.
Can I choose which program my donation supports? Yes. Visit our donations page to choose a program.
How can I volunteer? Visit our careers and volunteering page.
